bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atomistic Structure of Mineral Nano-aggregates from Simulated Compaction and Dewatering
Authors: Ho Tuan Anh , Greathouse Jeffery A. , Wang Yifeng , Criscenti Louise J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe porosity of clay aggregates is an important property governing chemical reactions and fluid flow in low-permeability geologic formations and clay-based engineered barrier systems. Pore spaces in clays include interlayer and interparticle pores. Under compaction and dewatering, the size and geometry of such pore spaces may vary significantly (sub-nanometer to microns) depending on ambient physical and chemical conditions. Here we report a molecular dynamics simulation method to construct a complex and realistic clay-like nanoparticle aggregate with interparticle pores and grain boundaries. The model structure is then used to investigate the effect of dewatering and water content on micro-porosity of the aggregates. The results suggest that slow dewatering would create more compact aggregates compared to fast dewatering. Furthermore, the amount of water present in the aggregates strongly affects the particle-particle interactions and hence the aggregate structure. Detailed analyses of particle-particle and water-particle interactions provide a molecular-scale view of porosity and texture development of the aggregates. The simulation method developed here may also aid in modeling the synthesis of nanostructured materials through self-assembly of nanoparticles.
Limited evidence of declining growth among moisture-limited black and white spruce in interior Alaska
Authors: Sullivan Patrick F. , Pattison Robert R. , Brownlee Annalis H. , Cahoon Sean M. P. , Hollingsworth Teresa N. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBoreal forests play critical roles in global carbon, water and energy cycles. Recent studies suggest drought is causing a decline in boreal spruce growth, leading to predictions of widespread mortality and a shift in dominant vegetation type in interior Alaska. We took advantage of a large set of tree cores collected from random locations across a vast area of interior Alaska to examine long-term trends in carbon isotope discrimination and growth of black and white spruce. Our results confirm that growth of both species is sensitive to moisture availability, yet show limited evidence of declining growth in recent decades. These findings contrast with many earlier tree-ring studies, but agree with dynamic global vegetation model projections. We hypothesize that rising atmospheric [CO2] and/or changes in biomass allocation may have compensated for increasing evaporative demand, leaving recent radial growth near the long-term mean. Our results highlight the need for more detailed studies of tree physiological and growth responses to changing climate and atmospheric [CO2] in the boreal forest.
Spontaneous attention-capture by auditory distractors as predictor of distractibility: a study of domestic horses (Equus caballus)
Authors: Rochais C. , Henry S. , Hausberger M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDistractibility (i.e. individual distraction from his ongoing activity) is thoughts to affect daily life. The present study develops an easy way to assess inter-individual variations of distractibility of an animal model, the domestic horse. We developed the ‘distractibility test’ (DT), based on auditory stimuli, a major source of distraction in daily life. We hypothesized that the broadcast of unusual sounds would provide a reliable source of distraction and that the responses to these unusual sounds would yield a good estimation of a horse’s level of distractibility. Validity of the DT was assessed by comparing the subjects’ interest towards the sound in this test to their attentional state in experimental visual attention tasks and in a working task. Our results showed inter-individual differences in response to the stimuli, with consistency over time. The subjects’ responses to this DT were negatively correlated to their attentional skills in separate experimental tests and in a working task. This is to our knowledge the first ‘real-world’ estimate of an animal’s distractibility in its home environment that could potentially be adapted for humans.
A Mouse Model of Autoimmune Cholangitis via Syngeneic Bile Duct Protein Immunization
Authors: Ma Wen-Tao , Liu Qing-Zhi , Yang Jing-Bo , Yang Yan-Qing , Zhao Zhi-Bin , Ma Hong-Di , Gershwin M. Eric , Lian Zhe-Xiong 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPrimary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease characterized by the destruction of interlobular biliary ductules, which progressively leads to cholestasis, hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually liver failure. Several mouse models have been used to clarify the pathogenesis of PBC and are generally considered reflective of an autoimmune cholangitis. Most models focus on issues of molecular mimicry between the E2 subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC-E2), the major mitochondrial autoantigen of PBC and xenobiotic cross reactive chemicals. None have focused on the classic models of breaking tolerance, namely immunization with self-tissue. Here, we report a novel mouse model of autoimmune cholangitis via immunization with syngeneic bile duct protein (BDP). Our results demonstrate that syngeneic bile duct antigens efficiently break immune tolerance of recipient mice, capturing several key features of PBC, including liver-specific inflammation focused on portal tract areas, increased number and activation state of CD4 and CD8 T cells in the liver and spleen. Furthermore, the germinal center (GC) responses in the spleen were more enhanced in our mouse model. Finally, these mice were 100% positive for anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMAs). In conclusion, we developed a novel mouse model of PBC that may help to elucidate the detailed mechanism of this complex disease.
Functional Analysis of VDR Gene Mutation R343H in A Child with Vitamin D-Resistant Rickets with Alopecia
Authors: Tseng Min-Hua , Huang Shih-Ming , Lo Fu-Sung , Huang Jing-Long , Cheng Chih-Jen , Lee Hwei-Jen , Lin Shih-Hua 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe functional study of different mutations on vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene causing hereditary vitamin D-resistant rickets (HVDRR) remains limited. This study was to determine the VDR mutation and the mechanisms of this mutation-causing phenotype in a family with HVDRR and alopecia. Phenotype was analyzed, and in vitro functional studies were performed. The proband and his affected sister exhibited typical HVDRR with alopecia, and their biochemical and radiographic abnormalities but not alopecia responded to supraphysiological doses of active vitamin D3. A novel homozygous missense R343H mutation in the exon 9 of VDR residing in the retinoid X receptor (RXR)-binding domain was identified. The expression level and C-terminal conformation of R343H mutant are not different from the wild-type VDR. This mutant had no effect on the nuclear localization of VDR, VDR-RXR heterodimerization, but it impaired CYP24A1 promoter activity in the presence of 1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D3, at least in part, mediated through specific nuclear receptor coactivator. Simulation models revealed the vanished interaction between guanidinium group of R343 and carboxyl group of E269. Without affecting the expression, conformation, nuclear location of VDR or heteridimerization with RXR, VDR-R343H impairs the transactivation activity of VDR on downstream transcription, accounting for HVDRR features with alopecia.
RSPO3 antagonism inhibits growth and tumorigenicity in colorectal tumors harboring common Wnt pathway mutations
Authors: Fischer Marcus M. , Yeung V. Pete , Cattaruzza Fiore , Hussein Rajaa , Yen Wan-Ching , Murriel Christopher , Evans James W. , O’Young Gilbert , Brunner Alayne L. , Wang Min , Cain Jennifer , Cancilla Belinda , Kapoun Ann , Hoey Timothy 
Published: November 2017

AbstractActivating mutations in the Wnt pathway are a characteristic feature of colorectal cancer (CRC). The R-spondin (RSPO) family is a group of secreted proteins that enhance Wnt signaling and RSPO2 and RSPO3 gene fusions have been reported in CRC. We have previously shown that Wnt pathway blockers exhibit potent combinatorial activity with taxanes to inhibit tumor growth. Here we show that RSPO3 antagonism synergizes with paclitaxel based chemotherapies in patient-derived xenograft models (PDX) with RSPO3 fusions and in tumors with common CRC mutations such as APC, β-catenin, or RNF43. In these latter types of tumors that represent over 90% of CRC, RSPO3 is produced by stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment and the activating mutations appear to sensitize the tumors to Wnt-Rspo synergy. The combination of RSPO3 inhibition and taxane treatment provides an approach to effectively target oncogenic WNT signaling in a significant number of patients with colorectal and other intestinal cancers.
Ultrafiltration combined with size exclusion chromatography efficiently isolates extracellular vesicles from cell culture media for compositional and functional studies
Authors: Benedikter Birke J. , Bouwman Freek G. , Vajen Tanja , Heinzmann Alexandra C. A. , Grauls Gert , Mariman Edwin C. , Wouters Emiel F. M. , Savelkoul Paul H. , Lopez-Iglesias Carmen , Koenen Rory R. , Rohde Gernot G. U. , Stassen Frank R. M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAppropriate isolation methods are essential for unravelling the relative contribution of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and the EV-free secretome to homeostasis and disease. We hypothesized that ultrafiltration followed by size exclusion chromatography (UF-SEC) provides well-matched concentrates of EVs and free secreted molecules for proteomic and functional studies. Conditioned media of BEAS-2B bronchial epithelial cells were concentrated on 10 kDa centrifuge filters, followed by separation of EVs and free protein using sepharose CL-4B SEC. Alternatively, EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation. EV recovery was estimated by bead-coupled flow cytometry and tuneable resistive pulse sensing. The proteomic composition of EV isolates and SEC protein fractions was characterized by nano LC-MS/MS. UF-SEC EVs tended to have a higher yield and EV-to-protein rate of purity than ultracentrifugation EVs. UF-SEC EVs and ultracentrifugation EVs showed similar fold-enrichments for biological pathways that were distinct from those of UF-SEC protein. Treatment of BEAS-2B cells with UF-SEC protein, but not with either type of EV isolate increased the IL-8 concentration in the media whereas EVs, but not protein induced monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. Thus, UF-SEC is a useful alternative for ultracentrifugation and allows comparing the proteomic composition and functional effects of EVs and free secreted molecules.
QED cascade with 10 PW-class lasers
Authors: Jirka Martin , Klimo Ondrej , Vranic Marija , Weber Stefan , Korn Georg 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe intensities of the order of 1023–24 W/cm2 are required to efficiently generate electron-positron pairs in laser-matter interaction when multiple laser beam collision is employed. To achieve such intense laser fields with the upcoming generation of 10 PW laser beams, focusing to sub-micron spot size is required. In this paper, the possibility of pair production cascade development is studied for the case of a standing wave created by two tightly focused colliding laser pulses. Even though the stronger ponderomotive force expels the seed particles from the interaction volume when a tightly focused laser beam is used, tight focusing allows to achieve cascade pair production due to the higher intensity in the focal spot. Optimizing the target density can compensate the expulsion by the ponderomotive force and lower the threshold power required for cascade pair production. This will in principle allow to produce pairs with 10 PW-class laser facilities which are now under construction and will become accessible soon.
Complications of Cerebrospinal Fluid Diversion (Shunt) Catheters: A Pictorial Essay
Authors: Rahalkar M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractVentriculoperitoneal shunt catheters are very commonly used for hydrocephalus of varying etiologies in infancy to childhood to bypass the obstruction. Few people are aware of their complications, such as infection, obstruction, malfunctioning, displacements, fluid collections, disconnections, and entry into various intra-abdominal organs. These complications and related literature and images are presented in this essay. In some cases, a radiologist can be of use to a neurosurgeon to alert what complication a given catheter has produced. The objectives are (1) to describe the types and functioning of cerebrospinal fluid diversion shunt catheters, (2) to know what can go wrong with the position and function of these catheters, and (3) to understand the specific or syndromic states of complication.
Broadening the Picture of Short-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency: A Case Report with Microcephaly, Leukoencephalopathy, and Characteristic Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Findings
Authors: Papadopoulou Maria , Koutsampasopoulou Iokasti , Tramma Despoina , Evangeliou Athanassios , Papadopoulou-Legbelou Kyriaki 
Published: November 2017

AbstractShort-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (SCADD) is a mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism disorder, which results in the accumulation of butyrylcarnitine and ethylmalonic acid in blood and urine. Evidence of genotype/phenotype correlation and neuroimaging characteristics is limited compared with other inborn errors of metabolism. We report a male patient with SCADD who initially presented with seizures, metabolic acidosis, microcephaly, and developmental delay with gradual amelioration of most symptoms. MRI/MRS revealed extended multifocal leukoencephalopathy, disturbed myelination, and abnormal brain energy metabolism with low choline/creatine ratio, which indicate the need for MRI/MRS follow-up even for asymptomatic patients with SCADD.
Der gefäßgestielte Omentumlappen zur Behandlung tiefer sternaler Wundinfekte
Authors: Spindler Nick , Etz Christian , Misfeld Martin , Josten Christoph , Borger Michael , Mohr Friedrich , Langer Stefan 
Published: November 2017

Zusammenfassung
Zielsetzung Defektdeckung einer persistierenden, sternalen Wundheilungsstörung, die nach frustranem Deckungsversuch mittels eines gestielten Latissimus-dorsi-Lappens durch eine Omentumplastik zur Ausheilung gebracht wurde.
Indikation Tiefe sternale Wundheilungsstörungen sind seltene, aber schwerwiegende Komplikationen nach medianer Sternotomie. Wenn reguläre Deckungsverfahren fehlschlagen oder nicht zu entfernendes Fremdmaterial wie „Drivelines“ oder Gefäßprothesen mittels Muskellappen nicht zur Ausheilung gebracht werden können, bildet der Omentumlappen, aufgrund seiner immunologischen Kompetenz, eine sinnvolle Alternative.
Methode Nach Exploration des persistierenden, sternalen Defekts schießt sich das radikale tangentiale Débridement und die Spülung der Wunde mittels einer Jet-Lavage an. Das Gewebe des Omentums wird nach Medianlaparotomie und Präparation des Lappens durch einen im vorderen Diaphragma angelegten Tunnel in den Defekt verlagert und kann hier spannungsfrei zur Ummantelung der Prothese verwendet werden. Der im Vorfeld verwendete Latissimuslappen wird in diesem Fall für den oberflächlichen Weichteilverschluss wiederverwendet.
Schlussfolgerung Insbesondere bei infiziertem, nicht entfernbarem Restmaterial stellt der Omentumlappen aufgrund seiner immunologischen Kompetenz eine gute Behandlungsalternative zu Muskellappen dar.
Klinische Anwendungen von wassergefiltertem Infrarot A (wIRA) – eine Übersicht
Authors: Hoffmann Gerd 
Published: November 2017

ZusammenfassungWassergefiltertes Infrarot A (wIRA) ist eine spezielle Form der Wärmestrahlung mit hohem Eindringvermögen in das Gewebe und geringer thermischer Belastung der Hautoberfläche.wIRA steigert deutlich Temperatur, Sauerstoffpartialdruck und Durchblutung im Gewebe und wirkt auch über nicht-thermische zelluläre Effekte. wIRA mindert indikationsübergreifend Schmerzen (mit relevant weniger Analgetikabedarf), Entzündung und vermehrte Sekretion und fördert Infektionsabwehr und Regeneration.Entsprechend breit sind die klinischen Anwendungsmöglichkeiten von wIRA. wIRA ist ein kontaktfreies, verbrauchsmaterialfreies, leicht anzuwendendes, (selbst bei Wunden) als angenehm empfundenes Verfahren mit guter Tiefenwirkung und anhaltendem Wärmedepot. wIRA ist u. a. einsetzbar zur Verbesserung der Heilung akuter und chronischer Wunden (wobei selbst eine ungestört “normal” ablaufende Wundheilung noch verbessert werden kann: schneller, schmerzärmer), bei Hauterkrankungen (wie vulgären Warzen, Herpes labialis, Herpes Zoster, Sklerodermie, Akne papulopustulosa; aktinischen Keratosen im Rahmen einer Photodynamischen Therapie), zur Resorptionsverbesserung topisch applizierter Substanzen, bei muskuloskeletalen Erkrankungen (wie Arthrosen, Arthritiden, Lumbago, ankylosierender Spondyloarthritis), zur Regeneration nach Sport, beim komplexen regionalen Schmerzsyndrom (CRPS), bei Polyneuropathien und in Kombination mit Strahlentherapie oder Chemotherapie in der Onkologie.
Skill-Grade-Mix ist ein Kulturwandel
Authors: Fröhlich Martin R. , Massarotto Paola , Brenner-Lüdemann Gabi , Staudacher Diana 
Published: November 2017

Zusammenfassung
Kompetenzgerechter Personaleinsatz auf Intensivstationen Im Tandem
arbeiten, einander ergänzen und Mitarbeitende mit unterschiedlichsten
Berufsabschlüssen ins Team integrieren – dies gehört zu den vielfältigen Chancen
und Herausforderungen des Skill-Grade-Mix. Als zukunftsorientiertes Modell der
Zusammenarbeit hat sich der Skill-Grade-Mix auf den Intensivstationen des
Universitätsspitals Zürich bewährt. Er ist eine Antwort auf Personalengpässe,
wirkt nachwuchsfördernd und leitet einen Kulturwandel ein: Unterschiedliche
pflegerische Berufsgruppen übernehmen gemeinsam Verantwortung für Patienten.
Anti-degenerative effect of Apigenin, Luteolin and Quercetin on human keratinocyte and chondrocyte cultures: SAR evaluation
Authors: Crascì Lucia , Cardile Venera , Longhitano Giusy , Nanfitò Francesco , Panico Annamaria 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Background Inflammation is a dynamic process that occur on vascularized tissue in response to different stimuli causing cell injury and tissue degeneration. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have a key mediatory role in the development and progression of degenerative tissue process. The bioflavonoids possess a broad-spectrum of pharmacological activities. Their capability is related to their chemical structure.
Methods In this study we evaluated and compare antioxidant, anti-glycative and anti-degenerative actions of two flavones apigenin and luteolin and a flavonol quercetin, in function of their hydroxyl groups arrangement. Moreover we assay, on NCTC 2544 and chondrocytes cultures, the flavonoids capacity to modulate NO and glycosamminoglycans levels, index of antidegenerative capacity.
Results All tested flavonoids act as free radicals scavengers (ROO• and NO•) and advanced glycation end products inhibitors, in agreement with their BDE, IP and molecular planarity. Quercetin showed a high ORAC value (2.70±0.12 ORAC Units), according to a low BDE (74.54 Kcal/mol) and IP (174.44 Kcal/mol) values. Luteolin is the most active compound in the NO (48.19±0.18%) and AGEs (60.06±0.52%) inhibition, in function of a low torsion angle (16.3°) between the 3-OH moiety and C’6 carbon atom.
Conclusion All tested flavonoids posses a protective role on degenerative tissue events. They acts in different manner depending on the functional groups, the biological substrate and the concentration used. In any case, it can be considered a suitable product preventing a degenerative processes.
Engineering of a membrane-triggered activity switch in coagulation factor VIIa
Authors: Nielsen Anders L. , Sorensen Anders B. , Holmberg Heidi L. , Gandhi Prafull S. , Karlsson Johan , Buchardt Jens , Lamberth Kasper , Kjelgaard-Hansen Mads , Ley Carsten Dan , Sørensen Brit B. , Ruf Wolfram , Olsen Ole H. , Østergaard Henrik 
Published: November 2017

Significance
Coagulation factor VIIa (FVIIa) is an intrinsically poor serine protease that requires assistance from its cofactor tissue factor (TF) to trigger the extrinsic pathway of blood coagulation. TF stimulates FVIIa through allosteric maturation of its active site and by facilitating substrate recognition. The surface dependence of the latter property allowed us to design a potent membrane-triggered activity switch in FVIIa by engineering a disulfide cross-link between an allosterically silent FVIIa variant and soluble TF. These results show that optimization of substrate recognition remote from the active site represents a promising new route to simultaneously enhance and localize the procoagulant activity of FVIIa for therapeutic purposes.
Molecular basis of tactile specialization in the duck bill
Authors: Schneider Eve R. , Anderson Evan O. , Mastrotto Marco , Matson Jon D. , Schulz Vincent P. , Gallagher Patrick G. , LaMotte Robert H. , Gracheva Elena O. , Bagriantsev Sviatoslav N. 
Published: November 2017

SignificanceTactile-specialist birds of the Anatidae family possess unique mechanosensory abilities with which they efficiently select edible matter in muddy water without visual or olfactory cues. Mechanical stimuli are transmitted by trigeminal mechanoreceptors innervating the bill, a highly specialized tactile organ. We show mechanosensory specialization in ducks involves the formation of functional rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors prior to hatching. Unlike in visually foraging chicken, most trigeminal neurons in ducks are touch receptors, which develop following a unique pattern of neurotrophic factor receptor expression and produce robust mechano-current via the Piezo2 channel with novel properties. Our results uncover possible evolutionary adaptations contributing to potentiation of mechanoreception in an organ-specific manner and reveal the molecular identity of a neuronal mechanotransducer with prolonged inactivation kinetics.
Enzyme stabilization via computationally guided protein stapling
Authors: Moore Eric J. , Zorine Dmitri , Hansen William A. , Khare Sagar D. , Fasan Rudi 
Published: November 2017

Significance
The marginal stability of most natural proteins presents a challenge for the exploitation of natural and engineered enzymes in biotechnology and industrial biocatalysis. Protein stabilization can be time- and labor-intensive and often involves extensive amino acid substitutions, which may impair the activity and/or selectivity of the enzyme. Here, we describe a computational design method for enzyme stabilization that uses structure-based modeling to introduce covalent ‟staples” in a protein scaffold via a genetically encodable noncanonical amino acid. This method was applied to obtain stapled variants of a stereoselective cyclopropanation biocatalyst featuring greatly increased thermostability and robustness to high concentrations of organic cosolvents. This minimally invasive strategy for protein stabilization should be applicable to a variety of enzymes and proteins.
Ion pair particles at the air–water interface
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Francisco Joseph S. 
Published: November 2017

Significance
According to our Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations, the ion pair particle formation from the hydrogen-bonded complex between methanesulfonic acid (HMSA) and ammonia/amines on the water droplet surface is observed within a few femtoseconds of the simulation time. This suggests a mechanism for the gas to particle conversion at the air–water interface. These results may help in understanding the aerosol particle formation in the remote marine atmosphere, particularly in polar regions, where the concentration of HMSA in the smallest particles was similar to that of nonsea salt sulfate and the mechanism of the particle formation remains unclear.