bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Policy uncertainty and aggregate fluctuations
Authors: Mumtaz Haroon , Surico Paolo 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThis paper estimates the impact on the US economy of four types of uncertainty about (i) government spending, (ii) tax changes, (iii) public debt, and (iv) monetary policy. Uncertainty about government debt has a large and persistent effect on output, consumption, investment, consumer confidence, and business confidence. Uncertainty about tax changes also has detrimental consequences for real activity but the effect of spending and monetary policy uncertainty appears to be small. About 25%of output fluctuations are accounted for by policy uncertainty, with government debt making the largest contribution at longer horizons.
Obesity and Pediatric Drug Development
Authors: Vaughns Janelle D. , Conklin Laurie S. , Long Ying , Zheng Panli , Faruque Fahim , Green Dionna J. , van den Anker John N. , Burckart Gilbert J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThere is a lack of dosing guidelines for use in obese children. Moreover, the impact of obesity on drug safety and clinical outcomes is poorly defined. The paucity of information needed for the safe and effective use of drugs in obese patients remains a problem, even after drug approval. To assess the current incorporation of obesity as a covariate in pediatric drug development, the pediatric medical and clinical pharmacology reviews under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Amendments Act of 2007 and the FDA Safety and Innovation Act (FDASIA) of 2012 were reviewed for obesity studies. FDA labels were also reviewed for statements addressing obesity in pediatric patients. Forty‐five drugs studied in pediatric patients under the FDA Amendments Act were found to have statements and key words in the medical and clinical pharmacology reviews and labels related to obesity. Forty‐four products were identified similarly with pediatric studies under FDASIA. Of the 89 product labels identified, none provided dosing information related to obesity. The effect of body mass index on drug pharmacokinetics was mentioned in only 4 labels. We conclude that there is little information presently available to provide guidance related to dosing in obese pediatric patients. Moving forward, regulators, clinicians, and the pharmaceutical industry should consider situations in drug development in which the inclusion of obese patients in pediatric trials is necessary to facilitate the safe and effective use of new drug products in the obese pediatric population.
ANG II facilitated CD11+Ly6Chi cells reprogramming into M1-like macrophage through Erk1/2 or p38-Stat3 pathway and involved in EAM
Authors: Lu Hongxiang , Wu Yan , Shao Xiaoyi , Zhou Shanshan , Jiang Yuanyuan , Chen Rong , Zong Gangjun , Xu Huaxi , Su Zhaoliang 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Macrophage, a highly plastic population, is widely distributed. Macrophage functions are settled and acquired polarization programs in response to microenvironmental signals and involved in many inflammatory disorders, such as experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM). Phenotypic and functional changes in macrophage are considered as an important determinant of disease progression and/or regression. Angiotensin II (ANG II), as a powerful proinflammatory factor, plays critical roles in inflammatory diseases and macrophage recruitment. It remains unclear whether ANG II contributed to the functional skewing of cardiac infiltrated monocytes/macrophage and involved in EAM development. Therefore, the present work was to address the above questions. Our data showed that ANG II contributed to CD11b+Ly6Chi (CD11b+Ly6G−Ly6C+) cells reprogramming into M1-like macrophage through Erk1/2 or p38/Stat3 pathway and the reprogramming M1-like cells promoted Th17 cells expansion; abrogation of ANG II-AT1R axis significantly ameliorated cardiac injury. The present work first demonstrated a novel immune regulation role of ANG II; ANG II, as a powerful immune factor, promoted CD11b+Ly6Chi inflammatory cells reprogramming into M1-like macrophage and involved in inflammatory disorders development; our results also indicated that ANG II may be a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases.
Mechanism of Mer receptor tyrosine kinase inhibition of glomerular endothelial cell inflammation
Authors: Zhen Yuxuan , Finkelman Fred D , Shao Wen-Hai 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Endotoxin induces a variety of proinflammatory mediators and plays a crucial role in kidney inflammation. The receptor tyrosine kinase, Mer, diminishes renal inflammation by attenuating inflammatory responses. We previously reported that Mer is predominantly expressed on glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) and that Mer deficiency is associated with increased renal inflammation when mice are challenged with nephrotoxic serum. We consequently hypothesized that Mer signaling down-regulates LPS-driven inflammatory responses in GECs. To test this hypothesis, primary GECs were isolated from the kidneys of Mer-KO and wild-type (WT) control mice. LPS treatment induced Akt and STAT3 activation along with Bcl-xl up-regulation in WT GECs; these responses were all increased in Mer-deficient GECs. In addition, STAT1 and ERK1/2 up-regulation and activation were observed in Mer-KO GECs exposed to LPS. In contrast, expression of the inhibitory signaling molecule, suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS-3), was much higher in LPS-stimulated WT than Mer-deficient GECs. Deficiency of Mer was also associated with significantly increased NF-κB expression and activation. These observations indicate that Mer functions as an intrinsic feedback inhibitor of inflammatory mediator-driven immune responses in GECs during kidney injury and suggest a new therapeutic strategy for glomerular diseases.
Proton-pump inhibitors elevate infection rate in cardiothoracic surgery patients by influencing PMN function in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Haas Carolin Maria , Maywald Martina , Goetzenich Andreas , Stoppe Christian , Rink Lothar 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) as pantoprazole are highly effective acid suppressive agents that belong to the world's most sold medication. However, they are pronounced to have immunosuppressive aspects. In our study, a negative influence of PPI on functions of polymorphonuclear cells in vitro like phagocytosis, oxidative burst, chemotaxis, and killing activity was shown, whereas formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NET)osis remained unaffected. Pantoprazole stimulation additionally reduced the production of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β in whole blood assay as well as the production of IL-2 and IFN-γ after whole blood stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin. Moreover, IFN-γ feedback mechanisms and signaling by STAT-1 was impaired by PPI. Cardiac surgery is accompanied by developing systemic inflammatory response syndrome with immunosuppressive aspects. We exhibited reduced oxidative burst analyzing cardiac surgery patients’ samples receiving or not receiving PPI. Furthermore, a higher rate of infections in patients receiving permanent PPI medication in retrospective analysis was uncovered. Patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and regular PPI medication developed significant more infections retrospectively indicating a clinical impact of the immunosuppressive influence of PPI.
Properties and composition of soil organic matter in forest and arable soils of schleswig‐holstein. 2. litter and humic compounds in mineral horizons
Authors: Beyer Lothar 
Published: January 2018

AbstractOrganic matter composition is an important soil constituent with regard to function in soil ecosystems. In the recent paper litter and humic compound contents from about 100 mineral soil investigations are presented. The soil horizons are divided into four groups (Ah, Ap, M. Bh) in order to compare the SOM quality. Ap and Ah horizons showed a similar litter and humic compound distribution. Structural differences in the humic compound fractions were only visible with CPMAS 13C‐NMR. SOM‐containing non‐spodic subsoil horizons had a similar SOM quality as the A horizons. In the Bh horizons the humic compounds dominated with about 75% in the SOM. Alkylic and O‐alkylic carbon units are the main fractions. The combination of the solid‐state 13C‐NMR spectroscopy of whole soil samples and the wet chemical analysis of litter compounds allowed the estimation of the liner and chemically defined humic compound distribution in soil samples.
Influence of soil tillage on net N‐mineralization under sugar beet
Authors: Hoffmann Christa , Lindén Sara , Koch Heinz‐Josef 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe shift from conventional to reduced soil tillage may affect physical and chemical soil properties and thereby net N‐mineralization. The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of soil tillage on net N‐mineralization at different depths. For this purpose the mineralization rate in the 0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm soil layer of conventionally and reduced tilled, N unfertilized plots under sugar beet was estimated with a field incubation method in 1993 and 1994. This method was compared to a balance method which takes into account N uptake of the crop and mineral N in the soil (0–90 cm).The mineralization rate in 1993 and 1994 was determined by the increase of soil temperature in spring and the change of water content in summer. Although the amount of cumulated mineralized N did not differ. soil tillage affected the mineralization rate in the three soil layers depending on the distribution of organic matter. In the reduced tilled soil the mineralization rate in the upper soil layer (0–10 cm) was higher than in conventionally tilled soil, whereas in the layer 10–20 cm depth the mineralization rate of the conventional treatment exceeded that of the reduced tilled treatment. These differences in mineralization rate between conventional and reduced tillage were more distinct in 1994 than in 1993. Since the amount of N mineralized during the season and the period of highest N‐mineralization rate in the arable soil layer did not differ due to soil tillage the necessity of an increased N‐fertilization in reduced tillage systems cannot be concluded from these results. This is supported by results of the white sugar yield, which showed no interaction between tillage and N fertilization. Results of the field incubation method differed considerably from those of the balance method. This is primarily due to lacking parameters in the N balance.
Competitive adsorption of potassium and calcium on manganese oxide as studied with two ion‐selective electrodes
Authors: Wang F.L. , Yu T.R. , Huang P.M. , Krishnamurti G.S.R. , Li S.X. , Fairhurst D. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCompetitive adsorption of K and Ca in a Mn oxide (birnessite) system was investigated using a double indicator electrode technique. The data showed that Ca was more competitive than K for adsorption sites on the Mn oxide. The preference of the oxide for Ca over K was partially attributed to the specific adsorption of Ca on the oxide. The extent of the preference did not consistently increase as the amount of K and Ca was continuously added to the system, possibly due to a decrease in the availability of the specific adsorption sites as these sites were increasingly occupied by the added Ca. The pK‐0.5pCa value for the system significantly increased when the solution to solid ratio was above 16 (mL g−1). Raising pH caused an increase in the solution K/Ca equivalent activity ratio and a linear decrease in the pK‐0.5pCa value, though the influence of the pH on the K/Ca equivalent activity ratio was not substantial until the pH was above 5.23. These results demonstrate an unique interaction of K and Ca on the surface of the Mn oxide, which cannot be solely interpreted by the classical ratio law. This study is of significance in the chemistry of K in soils which have properties of variable charge and specific adsorption of the competitive cations.
Schwefelausstattung ausgewählter europäischer Waldböden in Abhängigkeit vom atmogenen S‐Eintrag
Authors: Erkenberg Antje , Prietzel Jörg , Rehfuess Karl‐Eugen 
Published: January 2018

AbstractEntlang eines Transekts von den Pyrenäen über Vogesen, Schwarzwald, Innerem Bayerischem Wald. Osterzgebirge und Isergebirge wurden in der montanen und hochmontanen Höhenstufe 10 repräsentative Waldböden aus Granit‐Hangschutt und 1 Boden aus Gneisschutt (Braunerden und Podsole) auf ihre Gehalte an Gesamt‐Schwefel und einzelnen S‐Bindungsformen analysiert. Damit sollte geprüft werden, ob der von Südwesten nach Nordosten zunehmende atmogene Schwefel‐Eintrag die Kennwerte der S‐Ausstattung beeinflußt.Die Böden, welche nur geringe S‐Einträge empfangen, zeichnen sich i.d.R. durch niedrige Vorräte an anorganischem (insbesondere wasserlöslichem) Sulfat aus. Fast ihr gesamter Schwefelvorrat liegt in organischer Bindungsform vor. Mit steigender S‐Deposition nehmen die Gehalte an St und C‐S sowie die St/Corg−, die C‐S/Corg− und die SO4−Stot/Corg−Quotienten in den L‐, Of‐ und Oh‐Horizonten zu. Die Ach‐ und Ah‐Horizonte der Braunerden und Podsole mit verschiedener S‐Deposition unterscheiden sich bezüglich der S‐Parameter kaum voneinander. Dafür sind die B‐Horizonte der stärker belasteten, östlichen Böden auffallend reich an adsorbiertem und wasserlöslichem Sulfat und weisen hohe SO4−S/Fed−Quotienten sowie Ester‐SO4/Corg−Verhältnisse auf.
Simultaneous extraction and determination of trace amounts of diclofenac from whole blood using supported liquid membrane microextraction and fast Fourier transform voltammetry
Authors: Mofidi Zahra , Norouzi Parviz , Sajadian Masumeh , Ganjali Mohammad Reza 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA novel, simple, and inexpensive analytical technique based on flat sheet supported liquid membrane microextraction coupled with fast Fourier transform stripping cyclic voltammetry on a reduced graphene oxide carbon paste electrode was used for the extraction and online determination of diclofenac in whole blood. First, diclofenac was extracted from blood samples using a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane impregnated with 1‐octanol and then into an acceptor solution, subsequently it was oxidized on a carbon paste electrode modified with reduced graphene oxide nanosheets. The optimal values of the key parameters influencing the method were as follows: scan rate, 6 V/s; stripping potential, 200 mV; stripping time, 5 s; pH of the sample solution, 5; pH of the acceptor solution,7; and extraction time, 240 min. The calibration curves were plotted for the whole blood samples and the method was found to have a good linearity within the range of 1–25 μg/mL with a determination coefficient of 0.99. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.1 and 1.0 μg/mL, respectively. Using this coupled method, the extraction and determination were merged into one step. Accordingly, the speed of detection for sensitive determination of diclofenac in complex samples, such as blood, increased considerably.
A Novel Approach to Increase the Stability of Liposomal Containers via In Prep Coating by Poly[N‐(2‐Hydroxypropyl)Methacrylamide] with Covalently Attached Cholesterol Groups
Authors: Zaborova Olga V. , Filippov Sergey K. , Chytil Petr , Kováčik Lubomir , Ulbrich Karel , Yaroslavov Alexander A. , Etrych Tomaš 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHighly stable liposomes are developed by coating phosphatidylcholine liposomes with amphiphilic N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymer. Two approaches in the preparation of coated liposomes are employed: the copolymer is added during (“in prep”) or after (“ex post”) the liposome formation. The influence of polymer concentration and coating method is evaluated using the cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and small‐angle X‐ray scattering techniques. The in prep modification significantly increases, up to four weeks, the stability of liposomes against aggregation and makes the liposomal membrane nonpermeable toward an inorganic salt. Such enhanced longevity is attributed to the different structure of in prep coated liposomal membranes.
The role of electrodiagnosis with long exercise test in mcardle disease
Authors: Semplicini Claudio , Hézode‐arzel Marianne , Laforêt Pascal , Béhin Anthony , Leonard‐Louis Sarah , Hogrel Jean‐Yves , Petit François , Eymard Bruno , Stojkovic Tanya , Fournier Emmanuel 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: In this study we evaluated the role of an electrodiagnostic provocative test (long exercise test) in McArdle disease. Methods: Twenty‐five McArdle patients and 2 control groups underwent an electrodiagnostic protocol with long exercise test (LET), consisting of recording the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) before and after 5 minutes of isometric contraction. Results: The LET disclosed a postexercise decrease in CMAP amplitude in 23 of 25 McArdle patients. The immediate and long‐lasting decrease differentiated McArdle patients from controls. Patients with a normal LET demonstrated milder symptoms and/or residual myophosphorylase activity. Discussion: The LET is a sensitive, safe, and noninvasive provocative test that may guide clinicians toward molecular analysis of the myophosphorylase gene. The abnormalities observed on LET point toward complex biochemical mechanisms determined by the absence of myophosphorylase, beyond simple glycolytic blockade (ionic pump dysfunction, sarcolemmal inexcitability). The normal LET in patients with milder symptoms indicates a relationship of the LET with clinical severity, thus identifying it as a potential outcome measure. Muscle Nerve 58: 64–71, 2018
Venoocclusive disease due to chemotherapy for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia is associated with increased levels of plasminogen‐activator inhibitor‐1
Authors: Mauro Margherita , Saggiorato Graziella , Sartori Maria Teresa , Gallo Giuseppe , De Bortoli Massimiliano , Bonetti Elisa , Zaccaron Ada , Vitale Virginia , Balter Rita , Chinello Matteo , Cesaro Simone 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe describe three cases of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/venoocclusive disease (SOS) in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). All three episodes occurred during or just after the induction or reinduction phase of treatment based on prednisone/dexamethasone, vincristine, daunorubicin, and pegylated‐l‐asparaginase. SOS episodes were categorized as mild/moderate and resolved in 7, 10, and 16 days using supportive measures or defibrotide therapy. In all three episodes, the clinical diagnosis of SOS was associated with a significant increase in plasminogen‐activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) that reduced with patient clinical improvement. PAI‐1 warrants study as a diagnostic marker for SOS in ALL.
Sleep disruption in caregivers of pediatric stem cell recipients
Authors: Coleman Kristen , Flesch Laura , Petiniot Lisa , Pate Abigail , Lin Li , Crosby Lori , Beebe Dean W. , Nelson Adam , Alonso Priscila Badia , Davies Stella M. , Baker Rachel B. , Dandoy Christopher E. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractParents/caregivers of hospitalized patients are at risk of sleep disruption. We performed a cross‐sectional quantitative and qualitative evaluation of sleep in parents/caregivers of children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT; n = 17). Additionally, we explored the frequency of room entries for hospitalized patients undergoing HSCT (n = 189 nights). Twelve caregivers (71%) demonstrated significant sleep disturbance, 12 (71%) described sleep quality as poor, 15 (88%) averaged < 6 hours of sleep per night, 14 (82%) awakened at least four times per night. Patient rooms were entered a median of 12 times per night (interquartile range 10–15). Intervention studies to improve caregiver sleep during hospitalization are needed.
Cerebral, subcortical, and cerebellar activation evoked by selective stimulation of muscle and cutaneous afferents: an fMRI study
Authors: Wardman Daniel L. , Gandevia Simon C. , Colebatch James G. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe compared the brain areas that showed significant flow changes induced by selective stimulation of muscle and cutaneous afferents using fMRI BOLD imaging. Afferents arising from the right hand were studied in eight volunteers with electrical stimulation of the digital nerve of the index finger and over the motor point of the FDI muscle. Both methods evoked areas of significant activation cortically, subcortically, and in the cerebellum. Selective muscle afferent stimulation caused significant activation in motor‐related areas. It also caused significantly greater activation within the contralateral precentral gyrus, insula, and within the ipsilateral cerebellum as well as greater areas of reduced blood flow when compared to the cutaneous stimuli. We demonstrated separate precentral and postcentral foci of excitation with muscle afferent stimulation. We conclude, contrary to the findings with evoked potentials, that muscle afferents evoke more widespread cortical, subcortical, and cerebellar activation than do cutaneous afferents. This emphasizes the importance, for studies of movement, of matching the kinematic aspects in order to avoid the results being confounded by alterations in muscle afferent activation. The findings are consistent with clinical observations of the movement consequences of sensory loss and may also be the basis for the contribution of disturbed sensorimotor processing to disorders of movement.
Fine‐scale influences on thaw depth in a forested peat plateau landscape in the Northwest Territories, Canada: Vegetation trumps microtopography
Authors: Higgins Kellina Leslie , Garon‐Labrecque Marie‐Ève 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe influence of vegetation and microtopography on fine‐scale variability of thaw depth is largely unknown but potentially important for improving modeling of ecosystem–permafrost interactions. To elucidate their influence, we measured tree density, shrub cover and cryptogam presence (lichen and bryophyte) on forested permafrost peat plateaus in the discontinuous permafrost zone in the southern Northwest Territories, Canada. Greater tree density was associated with shallower thaw depth (approximately one quarter of the variance), whereas shrub cover had a negligible influence on thaw depth. Cryptogam species influenced thaw depth, with greater thaw depth associated with Sphagnum than with Cladonia (a difference on the order of 10%). Greater thaw depth occurred beneath hummocks than beneath hollows (a difference also on the order of 10%). Together, canopy cover, cryptogam species and microforms contribute to a variation of roughly half the variance in thaw depth in the peat plateau landscape.