bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review: Evolution and diversification of corneous beta‐proteins, the characteristic epidermal proteins of reptiles and birds
Authors: Holthaus Karin Brigit , Eckhart Leopold , Dalla Valle Luisa , Alibardi Lorenzo 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn all amniotes specialized intermediate filament keratins (IF‐keratins), in addition to keratin‐associated and corneous proteins form the outermost cornified layer of the epidermis. Only in reptiles and birds (sauropsids) the epidermis of scales, claws, beaks, and feathers, largely comprises small proteins formerly indicated as “beta‐keratins” but here identified as corneous beta‐proteins (CBPs) to avoid confusion with true keratins. Genes coding for CBPs have evolved within the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC), a locus with no relationship with those of IF‐keratins. CBP genes have the same exon–intron structure as EDC genes encoding other corneous proteins of sauropsids and mammals, but they are unique by encoding a peculiar internal amino acid sequence motif beta‐sheet region that allows formation of CBP filaments in the epidermis and epidermal appendages of reptiles and birds. In contrast, skin appendages of mammals, like hairs, claws, horns and nails, contain keratin‐associated proteins that, like IF‐keratin genes, are encoded by genes in loci different from the EDC. Phylogenetic analysis shows that lepidosaurian (lizards and snakes) and nonlepidosaurian (crocodilians, birds, and turtles) CBPs form two separate clades that likely originated after the divergence of these groups of sauropsids in the Permian Period. Clade‐specific CBPs evolved to make most of the corneous material of feathers in birds and of the shell in turtles. Based on the recent identification of the complete sets of CBPs in all major phylogenetic clades of sauropsids, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular evolution of CBPs.
Primary care referral for knee MRI in the United Kingdom: Association with demography and subsequent surgical intervention
Authors: Jayaram Prem R. , Sun Julia , Coombes Emma , Mackay James , Kasmai Bahman , McNamara Iain , Jones Andrew P. , Denton Erika R.E. , Toms Andoni P. 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundSince 2008 primary care physicians (GPs) in our region have been allowed open access to knee MRI scans. There are questions about whether this changes referral practice and if it is an effective use of resources.PurposeTo describe the change in demographics of patients referred for knee MRI following implementation of a new referral pathway.Study TypeRetrospective observational study.PopulationAll primary care referrals between 2008 and 2015 for knee MRI from a population of 900,000.Field Strength/SequenceNot applicable.AssessmentDemographic profile and number of knee MRI referrals and subsequent arthroscopies.Statistical TestsComparisons between urban and rural populations used the t‐test. Test for normality used Shapiro–Wilks. Comparison between abnormal MRI proportions used a chi‐squared test.ResultsThere were 23,928 knee MRI referrals (10,695 from GPs) between 2000 and 2015. MRI knee referrals rose from 210 in 2008 to 2379 in 2015. The average age of the patient decreased from 46.8 (SD = 14.9) in 2008 to 41.3 (SD = 14.7) in 2015. Conversion to arthroscopy declined from 15.4% to 10.2%, but there was no significant change in abnormal scan proportion. Conversion rates showed no significant difference between rural (9.6%) and urban populations (10.5%). Referral rates were significantly higher in low socioeconomic status areas (47.3% vs. 34.6%). The median referral rate per 1000 patients was 13.8 (interquartile range = 8.4). Referral rates varied widely between practices.Data ConclusionDespite a large rise in knee MRI referrals from primary care, there has been no substantial change in the age profile, suggesting that there has been no increase in inappropriate referral of elderly patients in whom MRI is unlikely to influence management. A modest decrease in the conversion rate to arthroscopy may be reasonably offset against a decrease in secondary care referrals. Socioeconomic status of the target population must be considered when planning primary care knee MRI services.Level of Evidence: 4Technical Efficacy Stage: 6J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019.
Liver R2* is affected by both iron and fat: A dual biopsy‐validated study of chronic liver disease
Authors: Karlsson Markus , Ekstedt Mattias , Dahlström Nils , Forsgren Mikael F. , Ignatova Simone , Norén Bengt , Dahlqvist Leinhard Olof , Kechagias Stergios , Lundberg Peter 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundLiver iron content (LIC) in chronic liver disease (CLD) is currently determined by performing an invasive liver biopsy. MRI using R2* relaxometry is a noninvasive alternative for estimating LIC. Fat accumulation in the liver, or proton density fat fraction (PDFF), may be a possible confounder of R2* measurements. Previous studies of the effect of PDFF on R2* have not used quantitative LIC measurement.PurposeTo assess the associations between R2*, LIC, PDFF, and liver histology in patients with suspected CLD.Study TypeProspective.PopulationEighty‐one patients with suspected CLD.Field Strength/Sequence1.5 T. Multiecho turbo field echo to quantify R2*. PRESS MRS to quantify PDFF.AssessmentEach patient underwent an MR examination, followed by two needle biopsies immediately following the MR examination. The first biopsy was used for conventional histological assessment of LIC, whereas the second biopsy was used to quantitatively measure LIC using mass spectrometry. R2* was correlated with both LIC and PDFF. A correction for the influence of fat on R2* was calculated.Statistical TestsPearson correlation, linear regression, and area under the receiver operating curve.ResultsThere was a positive linear correlation between R2* and PDFF (R = 0.69), after removing data from patients with elevated iron levels, as defined by LIC. R2*, corrected for PDFF, was the best method for identifying patients with elevated iron levels, with a correlation of R = 0.87 and a sensitivity and specificity of 87.5% and 98.6%, respectively.Data ConclusionPDFF increases R2*.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:325–333.
Patient respiratory‐triggered quantitative T2 mapping in the pancreas
Authors: Vietti Violi Naïk , Hilbert Tom , Bastiaansen Jessica A.M. , Knebel Jean‐Francois , Ledoux Jean‐Baptiste , Stemmer Alto , Meuli Reto , Kober Tobias , Schmidt Sabine 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundLong acquisition times and motion sensitivity limit T2 mapping in the abdomen. Accelerated mapping at 3 T may allow for quantitative assessment of diffuse pancreatic disease in patients during free‐breathing.PurposeTo test the feasibility of respiratory‐triggered quantitative T2 analysis in the pancreas and correlate T2‐values with age, body mass index, pancreatic location, main pancreatic duct dilatation, and underlying pathology.Study TypeRetrospective single‐center pilot study.PopulationEighty‐eight adults.Field Strength/SequenceTen‐fold accelerated multiecho‐spin‐echo 3 T MRI sequence to quantify T2 at 3 T.AssessmentTwo radiologists independently delineated three regions of interest inside the pancreatic head, body, and tail for each acquisition. Means and standard deviations for T2 values in these regions were determined. T2‐value variation with demographic data, intraparenchymal location, pancreatic duct dilation, and underlying pancreatic disease was assessed.Statistical TestsInterreader reliability was determined by calculating the interclass coefficient (ICCs). T2 values were compared for different pancreatic locations by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Interpatient associations between T2 values and demographical, clinical, and radiological data were calculated (ANOVA).ResultsThe accelerated T2 mapping sequence was successfully performed in all participants (mean acquisition time, 2:48 ± 0:43 min). Low T2 value variability was observed across all patients (intersubject) (head: 60.2 ± 8.3 msec, body: 63.9 ± 11.5 msec, tail: 66.8 ± 16.4 msec). Interreader agreement was good (ICC, 0.82, 95% confidence interval: 0.77–0.86). T2‐values differed significantly depending on age (P < 0.001), location (P < 0.001), main pancreatic duct dilatation (P < 0.001), and diffuse pancreatic disease (P < 0.03).Data ConclusionThe feasibility of accelerated T2 mapping at 3 T in moving abdominal organs was demonstrated in the pancreas, since T2 values were stable and reproducible. In the pancreatic parenchyma, T2‐values were significantly dependent on demographic and clinical parameters.Level of Evidence: 4Technical Efficacy: Stage 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:410–416.
Rapid automated liver quantitative susceptibility mapping
Authors: Jafari Ramin , Sheth Sujit , Spincemaille Pascal , Nguyen Thanh D. , Prince Martin R. , Wen Yan , Guo Yihao , Deh Kofi , Liu Zhe , Margolis Daniel , Brittenham Gary M. , Kierans Andrea S. , Wang Yi 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundAccurate measurement of the liver iron concentration (LIC) is needed to guide iron‐chelating therapy for patients with transfusional iron overload. In this work, we investigate the feasibility of automated quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) to measure the LIC.PurposeTo develop a rapid, robust, and automated liver QSM for clinical practice.Study TypeProspective.Population13 healthy subjects and 22 patients.Field Strength/Sequences1.5 T and 3 T/3D multiecho gradient‐recalled echo (GRE) sequence.AssessmentData were acquired using a 3D GRE sequence with an out‐of‐phase echo spacing with respect to each other. All odd echoes that were in‐phase (IP) were used to initialize the fat‐water separation and field estimation (T2*‐IDEAL) before performing QSM. Liver QSM was generated through an automated pipeline without manual intervention. This IP echo‐based initialization method was compared with an existing graph cuts initialization method (simultaneous phase unwrapping and removal of chemical shift, SPURS) in healthy subjects (n = 5). Reproducibility was assessed over four scanners at two field strengths from two manufacturers using healthy subjects (n = 8). Clinical feasibility was evaluated in patients (n = 22).Statistical TestsIP and SPURS initialization methods in both healthy subjects and patients were compared using paired t‐test and linear regression analysis to assess processing time and region of interest (ROI) measurements. Reproducibility of QSM, R2*, and proton density fat fraction (PDFF) among the four different scanners was assessed using linear regression, Bland–Altman analysis, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsLiver QSM using the IP method was found to be ~5.5 times faster than SPURS (P < 0.05) in initializing T2*‐IDEAL with similar outputs. Liver QSM using the IP method were reproducibly generated in all four scanners (average coefficient of determination 0.95, average slope 0.90, average bias 0.002 ppm, 95% limits of agreement between –0.06 to 0.07 ppm, ICC 0.97).Data ConclusionUse of IP echo‐based initialization enables robust water/fat separation and field estimation for automated, rapid, and reproducible liver QSM for clinical applications.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:725–732.
Optimization of CRT programming using non‐invasive electrocardiographic imaging to assess the acute electrical effects of multipoint pacing
Authors: Sieniewicz Benjamin J. , Jackson Tom , Claridge Simon , Pereira Helder , Gould Justin , Sidhu Baldeep , Porter Bradley , Niederer Steve , Yao Cheng , Rinaldi Christopher A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimQuadripolar lead technology and multi‐point pacing (MPP) are important clinical adjuncts in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) pacing aimed at reducing the rate of non‐response to therapy. Mixed results have been achieved using MPP and it is critical to identify which patients require this approach and how to configure their MPP stimulation, in order to achieve optimal electrical resynchronization.Methods & ResultsWe sought to investigate whether electrocardiographic imaging (ECGi), using the CARDIOINSIGHT™ inverse ECG mapping system, could identify alterations in electrical resynchronization during different methods of device optimization. In no patient did a single form of programming optimization provide the best electrical response. The effects of utilizing MPP were idiosyncratic and highly patient specific. ECGi activation maps were clearly able to discern changes in bulk LV activation during differing MPP programming. In two of the five subjects, MPP resulted in more rapid activation of the left ventricle compared to standard CRT; however, in the remaining three patients, the use of MPP did not appear to acutely improve electrical resynchronization. Crucially, this cohort showed evidence of extensive LV scarring which was well visualized using both CMR and ECGi voltage mapping.ConclusionsOur work suggests a potential role for ECGi in the optimization of non‐responders to CRT, as it allows the fusion of activation maps and scar analysis above and beyond interrogation of the 12 lead ECG.
Photodynamic therapy versus systemic antibiotic for the treatment of periodontitis in a rat model
Authors: Zhang Jianxing , Liang Hui , Zheng Yixin , Wang Dongcai , Xia Jiang , Peng Wenming , Cheng Kangjie , Wang Lianfei , Liu Yunfeng , Peng Wei , Li Qingyong 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundTo compare the therapeutic effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with Toluidine blue O hydrogel versus systemic antibiotic (SA) in treating periodontitis on rats.MethodsThirty‐two Wistar rats were divided into four groups and treated differently: Negative control (NC) group, normal rats; positive control (PC) group, rats with periodontitis; SA group, rats with periodontitis treated with systemic antibiotic; PDT group, rats with periodontitis treated with PDT. After treatment, gingival sulcus bacterial load was measured by counting the colony forming units per milliliter (CFU mL−1). The tooth and periodontal tissues were histologically processed to analyze histological and immunohistochemical profile. Gingival samples were obtained to quantify interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) levels.ResultsGingival sulcus bacteria load is significantly lower in PDT group compared with the SA group. The histological analysis showed that some extremely effective repair signs of periodontal tissue were presented in PDT group, such as no periodontal pocket, no bone resorption, few inflammatory cells, massive fibroblasts and collagen fibers. Several effective repair signs of periodontal tissue were also observed in SA group, such as shallow periodontal pocket, small amount of inflammatory cells, substantial fibroblasts and collagen fibers. There were lower cyclooxygenase‐2, matrix metalloproteinase ‐8 (MMP‐8) and RANK immunolabeling, higher osteoprotegerin immunolabeling in PDT group compared with SA group. The IL‐1β and TNF‐α levels in PDT group were lower than those in NC group, but higher than those in SA group.ConclusionPDT was effective to treat experimental periodontitis and was superior to systemic metronidazole as a treatment for periodontitis.
Financing new creative enterprise through blockchain technology: Opportunities and policy implications
Authors: O'Dair M , Owen R 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBlockchain technology represents an emerging source of venture capital crowdfunding for creative ventures, specifically in the music industry. Although music streaming is often portrayed as a success story, the internet has in fact been something of a false dawn for the recorded music industry—particularly for emerging musicians. New music ventures might obtain alternative entrepreneurial finance through token sales or Initial Coin Offerings. Policymakers can play a role in developing this form of seed finance for the creative industries and beyond.
The role of government venture capital funds: Recent lessons from the U.K. experience
Authors: Owen Robyn , North David , Mac an Bhaird Ciaran 
Published: January 2019

AbstractU.K. Government Venture Capital (GVC)‐backed schemes have evolved to provide more effective targeted funding for high growth potential firms, but policy designers should be cognizant of the changing external financing ecosystem when designing co‐investment schemes. We investigate the effectiveness of government backed venture capital schemes (GVCs) in funding early stage entrepreneurial ventures. Addressing fundamental issues of additionality, crowding out, economic impact, and sustainability, we discover that U.K. GVC‐backed schemes have evolved to provide more effective targeted funding for high growth potential firms. Combining primary data from a number of sources, we discover positive impacts of increase in turnover and employment in funded ventures, along with effective targeting of specific funding gaps. Significant issues remain, including a lack of liquidity in follow‐on funding and a requirement for longer time horizon in funds, as firms typically fall behind in development schedules. There is, therefore, a need for greater flexibility in GVC‐backed funds. Policy designers should be cognizant of the changing external financing ecosystem when designing co‐investment schemes.
Self‐ and other‐evaluative moral emotions in prosocial contexts: A comparison of Chinese and Canadian adolescents
Authors: Jia Fanli , Li Lihong , Krettenauer Tobias 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis study investigated adolescents’ self‐ and other‐evaluative moral emotions in prosocial contexts across cultures (Chinese and Canadian). The sample consisted of 341 adolescents from three age groups: early adolescents (Grade 7–8), middle adolescents (Grade 10–11), and late adolescents (1st–2nd‐year university). Approximately equal numbers of participants were recruited across genders, age groups, and cultures. Participants were presented eight different scenarios depicting the self or others in prosocial contexts. Moral emotions were assessed following each scenario by asking participants to rate the intensity of both self‐evaluative (pride, satisfaction, guilt, and shame) and other‐evaluative (admiration, respect, anger, and contempt) moral emotions. The results indicated that Chinese early adolescents rated more intense other‐evaluative emotions than the same age group in Canada. Chinese middle and late adolescents rated less intense self‐evaluative emotions than the same age groups in Canada. Overall, the results revealed both cultural differences and similarities in self‐ and other‐evaluative moral emotions. The present study also suggests a cross‐cultural investigation of moral emotion from a developmental perspective.
Analyzing Cysteine Site Neighbors in Proteins to Reveal Dimethyl Fumarate Targets
Authors: Rosa Arianna Carolina , Benetti Elisa , Gallicchio Margherita , Boscaro Valentina , Cangemi Luigi , Dianzani Chiara , Miglio Gianluca 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis work proposes a novel approach by which to consistently classify cysteine sites in proteins in terms of their reactivity toward dimethyl fumarate (DMF) and fumarate. Dimethyl fumarate‐based drug products have been approved for use as oral treatments for psoriasis and relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis. The adduction of DMF and its (re)active metabolites to certain cysteine residues in proteins is thought to underlie their effects. However, only a few receptors for these compounds have been discovered to date. Our approach takes advantage of the growing number of known DMF‐ and fumarate‐sensitive proteins and sites to perform analyses by combining the concepts of network theory, for protein structure analyses, and machine‐learning procedures. Wide‐ranging and previously unforeseen variety is found in the analysis of the neighborhood composition (the first neighbors) of cysteine sites found in DMF‐ and fumarate‐sensitive proteins. Furthermore, neighborhood composition has shown itself to be a network‐type attribute that is endowed with remarkable predictive power when distinct classification algorithms are employed. In conclusion, when adopted in combination with other target identification/validation approaches, methods that are based on the analysis of cysteine site neighbors in proteins should provide useful information by which to decipher the mode of action of DMF‐based drugs.
Synthesis and characterization of cyclic P3HT as a donor polymer for organic solar cells
Authors: Fukushima Tatsuya , Ishibashi Hirotaka , Suemasa Daichi , Nakamura Ryosuke , Yomogida Masanobu , Isono Takuya , Satoh Toshifumi , Kaji Hironori 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTIn this study, cyclic poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) (c‐P3HT) with a controlled Mn was synthesized by the intramolecular cyclization of α‐bromo‐ω‐ethynyl‐functionalized P3HT via the Sonogashira coupling reaction. The effect of the cyclic structure, which does not have terminal groups of polymers, on the photoelectric conversion characteristics was investigated in comparison to linear P3HT (l‐P3HT). c‐P3HT was successfully synthesized with Mn ≈ 17,000, dispersity ≈ 1.2, and regioregularity ≈ 99%. The hole mobility was determined to be 5.1 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1 by time‐of‐flight (TOF) experiment. This was comparable to that of l‐P3HT of 5.6 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1. Organic solar cell systems were fabricated with each polymer by blending them with [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM). The l‐P3HT:PC71BM system showed a dispersive TOF photocurrent profile for electron transport, whereas a nondispersive profile was observed for c‐P3HT:PC71BM. In addition, an amount of collected electrons in c‐P3HT:PC71BM was greater than that in l‐P3HT:PC71BM for TOF experiments. The photoelectric conversion characteristics were improved by using c‐P3HT rather than l‐P3HT (power conversion efficiency [PCE] = 4.05% vs 3.23%), reflecting the nondispersive transport and the improvement of electron collection. PCEs will be much improved by applying this cyclic concept to highly‐efficient OSC polymers. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 266–271
Multiplexed LC–ESI–MRM‐MS‐based Assay for Identification of Coronary Artery Disease Biomarkers in Human Plasma
Authors: Anwar Mohammad A. , Dai Darlene Liying , Wilson‐McManus Janet , Smith Derek , Francis Gordon A. , Borchers Christoph H , McManus Bruce M. , Hill John S. , Cohen Freue Gabriela V. 
Published: January 2019

PurposeA highly‐multiplexed LC–ESI–multiple reaction monitoring‐MS‐based assay is developed for the identification of coronary artery disease (CAD) biomarkers in human plasma.Experimental designThe assay is used to measure 107 stable isotope labeled peptide standards and native peptides from 64 putative biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases in tryptic digests of plasma from subjects with (n= 70) and without (n= 45) angiographic evidence of CAD and no subsequent cardiovascular mortality during follow‐up.ResultsExtensive computational and statistical analysis reveals six plasma proteins associated with CAD, namely apolipoprotein CII, C reactive protein, CD5 antigen‐like, fibronectin, inter alpha trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H1, and protein S. The identified proteins are combined into a LASSO‐logistic score with high classification performance (cross‐validated area under the curve = 0.74). When combined with a separate score computed from markers currently used in the clinic with similar performance, the area under the receiver operating curve increases to 0.84. Similar results are observed in an independent set of subjects (n= 87).Conclusions and clinical relevanceIf externally validated, the assay and identified biomarkers can improve CAD risk stratification.