bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interconnections Between Eurozone and US Booms and Busts Using a Bayesian Panel Markov‐Switching VAR Model
Authors: Billio Monica , Casarin Roberto , Ravazzolo Francesco , Van Dijk Herman K. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryThe proposed panel Markov‐switching VAR model accommodates changes in low and high data frequencies and incorporates endogenous time‐varying transition matrices of country‐specific Markov chains, allowing for interconnections. An efficient multi‐move sampling algorithm draws time‐varying Markov‐switching chains. Using industrial production growth and credit spread data, several important data features are obtained. Three regimes appear, with slow growth becoming persistent in the eurozone. Turning point analysis indicates the USA leading the eurozone cycle. Amplification effects influence recession probabilities for Eurozone countries. A credit shock results in temporary negative industrial production growth in Germany, Spain and the USA. Core and peripheral countries exist in the eurozone. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Classifying murine glomerulonephritis using optical coherence tomography and optical coherence elastography
Authors: Liu Chih‐Hao , Du Yong , Singh Manmohan , Wu Chen , Han Zhaolong , Li Jiasong , Chang Anthony , Mohan Chandra , Larin Kirill V. 
Published: January 2016

Acute glomerulonephritis caused by antiglomerular basement membrane marked by high mortality. The primary reason for this is delayed diagnosis via blood examination, urine analysis, tissue biopsy, or ultrasound and X‐ray computed tomography imaging. Blood, urine, and tissue‐based diagnoses can be time consuming, while ultrasound and CT imaging have relatively low spatial resolution, with reduced sensitivity. Optical coherence tomography is a noninvasive and high‐resolution imaging technique that provides superior spatial resolution (micrometer scale) as compared to ultrasound and CT. Changes in tissue properties can be detected based on the optical metrics analyzed from the OCT signals, such as optical attenuation and speckle variance. Furthermore, OCT does not rely on ionizing radiation as with CT imaging. In addition to structural changes, the elasticity of the kidney can significantly change due to nephritis. In this work, OCT has been utilized to quantify the difference in tissue properties between healthy and nephritic murine kidneys. Although OCT imaging could identify the diseased tissue, its classification accuracy is clinically inadequate. By combining optical metrics with elasticity, the classification accuracy improves from 76% to 95%. These results show that OCT combined with OCE can be a powerful tool for identifying and classifying nephritis. Therefore, the OCT/OCE method could potentially be used as a minimally invasive tool for longitudinal studies during the progression and therapy of glomerulonephritis as well as complement and, perhaps, substitute highly invasive tissue biopsies.
Elastic‐wave propagation in mouse healthy and nephritic kidneys.magnified imageElastic‐wave propagation in mouse healthy and nephritic kidneys.
Antifungal Activity of Propolis Against Yeasts Isolated From Blood Culture: In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Mutlu Sariguzel Fatma , Berk Elife , Koc Ayes Nedret , Sav Hafize , Demir Gonca 
Published: January 2016

Background: Due to the failure of available antifungal agents in the treatment of candidemia and the toxic activities of these drugs, a lot of researches are being conducted to develop new nontoxic and effective antifungal agents for optimal control of fungal pathogens. The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of propolis against yeasts isolated from the blood cultures of intensive care unit patients.Methods: Seventy‐six strains were included in this study. The in vitro antifungal activity of propolis, fluconazole (FLU), and itraconazole (ITR) was investigated by the microdilution broth methods (CLSI guidelines M27‐A3 for yeast). The propolis sample was collected from Kayseri, Turkey.Results: Of the 76 isolates, 33 were identified as Candida albicans while 37 were C. parapsilosis, three were C. tropicalis, and three were identified as C. glabrata. The geometric mean range for MIC (μg/ml) with regard to all isolates was 0.077 to 3 μg/ml for FLU and ITR, and 0.375 to 0.70 μg/ml for propolis. It was shown that propolis had significant antifungal activity against all Candida strains and the MIC range of propolis was determined as 0185 to 3 μg/ml.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that propolis had significant antifungal activity against yeasts isolated from blood culture compared with FLU and ITR. The propolis MIC in azole‐resistant strains such as C. glabrata was found lower than the FLU MIC.
Subject‐specific modeling of muscle force and knee contact in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Navacchia Alessandro , Rullkoetter Paul J. , Schütz Pascal , List Renate B. , Fitzpatrick Clare K. , Shelburne Kevin B. 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the mechanical loading environment and resulting joint mechanics for activities of daily living in total knee arthroplasty is essential to continuous improvement in implant design. Although survivorship of these devices is good, a substantial number of patients report dissatisfaction with the outcome of their procedure. Knowledge of in vivo kinematics and joint loading will enable improvement in preclinical assessment and refinement of implant geometry. The purpose of this investigation was to describe the mechanics of total knee arthroplasty during a variety of activities of daily living (gait, walking down stairs, and chair rise/sit). Estimates of muscle forces, tibial contact load, location, and pressure distribution was performed through a combination of mobile fluoroscopy data collection, musculoskeletal modeling, and finite element simulation. For the activities evaluated, joint compressive load was greatest during walking down stairs; however, the highest contact pressure occurred during chair rise/sit. The joint contact moment in the frontal plane was mainly varus for gait and walking down stairs, while it was valgus during chair rise/sit. Excursion of the center of pressure on the tibial component was similar during each activity and between the medial and lateral sides. The main determinants of center of pressure location were internal–external rotation, joint load, and tibial insert conformity. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1576–1587, 2016.
Laser Material Processing of Medical Titanium
Authors: Patschger Andreas , Hopf Andreas , Güpner Michael , Bliedtner Jens 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTitanium is considered to be the most attractive metallic material for medical applications such as dental implants. Furthermore, it can be used to build up gas‐tight and sterile transport boxes in order to maintain the sterility of the implants during shipment. For this purpose laser processes were investigated and led to low‐impact and clean assembly of the transport boxes. The following article provides an overview of suitable laser remote processes and, by means of an assembly example, shows how laser material processing with its diversity can support the sterile transport of medical implants.
How to Improve Efficiency in USP Laser Micromachining
Authors: Herrmann Thomas , Harth Florian , Henrich Bernhard , L'huillier Johannes , Hajri Melik 
Published: January 2016

AbstractHighest quality in laser micromachining is obtained using ultrashort light pulses with energies slightly above ablation threshold. Together with very high pulse repetition rates and a new type of fast beam deflection technology, new pathways in laser micromachining have been opened. As examples, we show results of improved surface texturing and carbon‐fiber reinforced plastic material removal using this technology.
From Retail Shop to Hightech Boutique
Authors: Idzko Anna‐Lena 
Published: January 2016

AbstractCompany founder Eckhard Lessmüller and Head of Development Dr. Christian Truckenbrodt are heading Lessmüller Lasertechnik, LLT, as the company's two Managing Directors. The enterprise they are running has followed a transformation path that led from a retail shop to a high technology boutique. And the pathway to get there was out of the common.
Cryolipolysis versus laser lipolysis on adolescent abdominal adiposity
Authors: Mostafa Mohamed Serag Eldein Mahgoub , Elshafey Mohamed Ali 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundNoninvasive body contouring is one of the fastest growing segments of the cosmetic aesthetic industry. There is increased public demand for procedures with fewer side effects and shorter recovery times. Cryolipolysis and Laser lipolysis have been used as treatments for localized body contouring.ObjectiveTo compare the effect of Cryolipolysis versus Laser lipolysis on adolescent's abdominal adiposity.DesignRandomized, controlled trial.SubjectsForty‐five obese adolescents of both sexes ranged in age from 13 to 16 years participated in this study were to be categorized into three groups of equal number (each group 15 subjects) randomly selected from population.MethodsParticipants were randomly assigned to three groups. Group A was received (Cryolipolysis and diet), Group B was received (Laser lipolysis and diet), Group C was received (only diet) all groups were observed for 8 weeks. Weight and height scale for (change in weight), tape measurement for (waist‐hip ratio), skinfold caliper, and MRI.ResultsThere was no significant difference between three groups post‐treatment in BMI and body weight P‐value were (0.2, 0.42, 0.67), respectively. There was a significant improvement for Cryolipolysis group in waist‐hip ratio, Suprailiac skin fold, and subcutaneous adipose tissue than other groups P‐value (0.001).ConclusionsCryolipolysis has a favorable effect than Laser lipolysis in the reduction of waist‐hip ratio, skin folds at Suprailiac level and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), there is no significant difference between them in the reduction of BMI and body weight. All groups did not have an effect on VAT. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:365–370, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Four Simple Structure Carbazole‐Based Conjugated Microporous Polymers with Different Soft Connected Chains
Authors: Gu Chunyang , Bao Yan , Huang Wei , Liu Deyu , Yang Renqiang 
Published: January 2016

Four carbazole–spacer–carbazole polymers PCz–Cn–Cz (n = 3–6) with the similar topological model structures are designed and prepared by FeCl3 oxidative coupling polymerization. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface areas of polymers are 862, 870, 768 and 785 m2 g−1, respectively. Interestingly, there are no obvious differences in the domain pore width (centered at 0.5 nm) and the pore size distribution among four polymers, although they have different length soft alkylene chains to interlink same rigid backbone carbazole. Gas adsorption isotherms show that H2 storage of polymers can be up to 1.33 wt% at 1.0 bar and 77 K, the uptake capacity for CO2 can reach 16.8 wt% at 1.0 bar and 273 K, CH4 uptake can reach 2.11 wt% at 1.0 bar and 273 K, and the CO uptake performance can be up to 1.37 wt% at 298 K and 1.0 bar. Selective adsorption of CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 calculated using the initial gas uptake slopes shows that these networks display good selectivity with a maximum value of 47.7 (33.8) and 14 (7.3) at 273 K (298 K). The high selective adsorption performances make these materials potential candidates for gas separation and other environmental applications.
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Integrative analysis of mRNA and microRNA expression of a human alveolar epithelial cell(A549) exposed to water and organic‐soluble extract from particulate matter (PM)2.5
Authors: Jeong Seung‐Chan , Song Mi‐Kyung , Cho Yoon , Lee Eunil , Ryu Jae‐Chun 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTMicroRNA (miRNA) is now attracting attention as a powerful negative regulator of messenger RNA(mRNA) levels, and is implicated in the modulation of important mRNA networks involved in toxicity. In this study, we assessed the effects of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), one of the most significant air pollutants, on miRNA and target gene expression. We exposed human alveolar epithelial cell (A549) to two types of PM2.5[water (W‐PM2.5) and organic (O‐PM2.5) soluble extracts] and performed miRNA microarray analysis. A total of 37 miRNAs and 62 miRNAs were altered 1.3‐fold in W‐PM2.5 and O‐PM2.5, respectively. Integrated analyses of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles identified negative correlations between miRNA and mRNA in both W‐PM2.5 and O‐PM2.5 exposure groups. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses showed that the 35 W‐PM2.5 target genes are involved in responses to nutrients, positive regulation of biosynthetic processes, positive regulation of nucleobase, nucleoside, and nucleotide, and nucleic acid metabolic processes; while the 69 O‐PM2.5 target genes are involved in DNA replication, cell cycle processes, the M phase, and the cell cycle check point. We suggest that these target genes may play important roles in PM2.5‐induced respiratory toxicity by miRNA regulation. These results demonstrate an integrated miRNA‐mRNA approach for identifying molecular events induced by environmental pollutants in an in vitro human model. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 302–310, 2017.
Mitochondrial Glycerol‐3‐Phosphate Acyltransferase‐Dependent Phospholipid Synthesis Modulates Phospholipid Mass and IL‐2 Production in Jurkat T Cells
Authors: Faris Robert , Weber Mary M. , Seeger Drew R. , Cavazos David , de Graffenried Linda , Murphy Eric J. , Jolly Christopher A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractChanges in glycerophospholipid metabolism with age and disease can have a profound effect on immune cell activation and effector function. We previously demonstrated that glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase‐1, the first and rate limiting step in de novo glycerophospholipid synthesis, plays a role in modulating murine T cell function. The resultant phenotype is characterized by decreased IL‐2 production, increased propensity toward apoptosis, and altered membrane glycerophospholipid mass similar to that of an aged T cell. Since T cells in previous experiments were harvested from GPAT‐1−/− mice, questions remained as to what extent the macro environment of the model influenced the observed cellular phenotype. Therefore, we generated and phenotypically characterized a mitochondrial glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase (GPAM) deficient Jurkat T cell. Furthermore, this line was used to probe possible mechanisms by which GPAT‐1/GPAM regulates T cell function. We report here that many of the key dysfunctional characteristics of murine GPAT‐1−/− T cells are recapitulated in the GPAMKD Jurkat T cell. We found striking decreased IL‐2 production along with altered phospholipid mass and increased incidence of apoptosis. Since PtdOH is an indirect downstream product of GPAM, we attempted to rescue IL‐2 production with PtdOH supplementation; however, this addition did not return IL‐2 production to normal levels. Interestingly, we did find significantly decreased Zap‐70 phosphorylation following stimulation, suggesting that GPAM deficiency may alter membrane based stimulatory signaling. These data show for the first time that GPAM deficiency results in an inherent defect in Jurkat T cell function and glycerophospholipid composition and that this defect cannot be rescued by addition of exogenous PtdOH.
Preparation of Infant Formula Fat Analog Containing Capric Acid and Enriched with DHA and ARA at the sn‐2 Position
Authors: Álvarez Carlos A. , Akoh Casimir C. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAn infant formula fat analog with capric acid mostly esterified at the sn‐1,3 positions, and substantial amounts of palmitic, docosahexaenoic (DHA), and arachidonic (ARA) acids at the sn‐2 position, was prepared by physically blending enzymatically synthesized structured lipids (SL) with vegetable oils. The components of the blend included high sn‐2 palmitic acid SL enriched with capric acid (SLCA), canola oil (CAO), corn oil (CO), high sn‐2 DHA (DHAOm), and high sn‐2 ARA (ARAOm) enzymatically modified oils. Each component was proportionally blended to match the fatty acid profile of commercial fat blends used for infant formula. The infant formula fat analog (IFFA1) was characterized for total and positional fatty acids (FA), triacylglycerol (TAG) molecular species, thermal behavior, and tocopherol content. IFFA1 contained 17.37 mol% total palmitic acid of which nearly 35 % was located at the sn‐2 position. The total capric acid content was 13.93 mol%. The content of DHA and ARA were 0.49 mol% (48.18 % at sn‐2) and 0.57 mol% (35.80 % at sn‐2), respectively. The predominant TAG were OPO (24.09 %), POP (15.70 %), OOO (11.53 %), and CLC (7.79 %). The melting completion and crystallization onset temperatures were 18.65 and −2.19 °C, respectively. The total tocopherol content was 566.45 μg/g. This product might be suitable for commercial production of infant formulas.
Increased ventricular cerebrospinal fluid lactate in depressed adolescents
Authors: Bradley K.A.L. , Mao X. , Case J.A.C. , Kang G. , Shungu D.C. , Gabbay V. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundMitochondrial dysfunction has been increasingly examined as a potential pathogenic event in psychiatric disorders, although its role early in the course of major depressive disorder (MDD) is unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate mitochondrial dysfunction in medication-free adolescents with MDD through in vivo measurements of neurometabolites using high-spatial resolution multislice/multivoxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.MethodsTwenty-three adolescents with MDD and 29 healthy controls, ages 12–20, were scanned at 3 T and concentrations of ventricular cerebrospinal fluid lactate, as well as N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), total creatine (tCr), and total choline (tCho) in the bilateral caudate, putamen, and thalamus were reported.ResultsAdolescents with MDD exhibited increased ventricular lactate compared to healthy controls [F(1,41) = 6.98, P = 0.01]. However, there were no group differences in the other neurometabolites. Dimensional analyses in the depressed group showed no relation between any of the neurometabolites and symptomatology, including anhedonia and fatigue.ConclusionsIncreased ventricular lactate in depressed adolescents suggests mitochondrial dysfunction may be present early in the course of MDD; however it is still not known whether the presence of mitochondrial dysfunction is a trait vulnerability of individuals predisposed to psychopathology or a state feature of the disorder. Therefore, there is a need for larger multimodal studies to clarify these chemical findings in the context of network function.
Influence ofDAOAandRGS4genes on the risk for psychotic disorders and their associated executive dysfunctions: A family-based study
Authors: Soler J. , Miret S. , Lázaro L. , Parellada M. , Martín M. , Lera-Miguel S. , Rosa A. , de Castro-Catala M. , Cuesta M.J. , Fañanás L. , Krebs M.O. , Fatjó-Vilas M. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundGlutamatergic neurotransmission dysfunction has classically been related to the aetiology of psychotic disorders. A substantial polygenic component shared across these disorders has been reported and molecular genetics studies have associated glutamatergic-related genes, such asd-amino acid oxidase activator (DAOA)andregulator of G-protein signalling 4 (RGS4)with the risk for psychotic disorders. Our aims were to examine: (i) the relationship betweenDAOAandRGS4and the risk for psychotic disorders using a family-based association approach, and (ii) whether variations in these genes are associated with differences in patients’ cognitive performance.MethodsThe sample comprised 753 subjects (222 patients with psychotic disorders and 531 first-degree relatives). Six SNPs inDAOAand 5 SNPs inRGS4were genotyped. Executive cognitive performance was assessed with Trail Making Test B (TMT-B) and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Genetic association analyses were conducted with PLINK, using the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) for the family-based study and linear regression for cognitive performance analyses.ResultsThe haplotype GAGACT atDAOAwas under-transmitted to patients (P= 0.0008), indicating its association with these disorders. With regards to cognitive performance, theDAOAhaplotype GAGGCT was associated with worse scores in TMT-B (P= 0.018) in SZ patients only.RGS4analyses did not report significant results.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that theDAOAgene may contribute to the risk for psychotic disorders and that this gene may play a role as a modulator of executive function, probably through the dysregulation of the glutamatergic signalling.
Differences in the Biometry of the Levator Hiatus at Rest, During Contraction, and During Valsalva Maneuver Between Women with and Without Provoked Vestibulodynia Assessed by Transperineal Ultrasound Imaging
Authors: Thibault-Gagnon Stéphanie , McLean Linda , Goldfinger Corrie , Pukall Caroline , Chamberlain Susan 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) involvement is suspected in the pathophysiology of provoked vestibulodynia (PVD); however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. PFM morphology can be inferred from the biometry of the levator hiatus determined through dynamic ultrasound imaging.

Aims
The aim of this study was to determine the nature of PFM involvement in women with PVD via an evaluation of the biometry of the levator hiatus at rest, upon maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the PFMs, and upon maximal Valsalva maneuver (MVM).

Methods
Thirty-eight women with PVD and 39 asymptomatic controls were imaged using 3D transperineal ultrasound. Levator hiatal dimensions (area; left-right [LR] and anteroposterior [AP] diameters) were measured at rest, on MVC, and on MVM. Differences in hiatal dimensions and in relative changes in dimensions from rest to MVC and from rest to MVM were compared between groups using separate 1-way analyses of variance for each measure and task. Analysis of covariance models were used to investigate the impact of levator hiatal dimensions at rest on the relative changes in the levator hiatal dimensions during MVC and MVM.

Main Outcome Measures
Levator hiatal area, LR, and AP diameters, at rest, on MVC, and on MVM were the main outcome measures. Relative changes in hiatal dimensions were assessed as the percent change in hiatal area, LR diameter, and AP diameter.

Results
In comparison with controls, women with PVD had smaller hiatal areas at rest, on MVC, and on MVM, concurrent with smaller LR diameters on MVM. Women with PVD had a significantly smaller change in hiatal area on MVM than controls, but no differences were evident on MVC. In both groups, smaller levator hiatal dimensions at rest were associated with smaller relative decreases in dimensions on MVC and larger relative increases in dimensions on MVM.

Conclusion
In comparison to controls, women with PVD appear to have narrower levator hiatus' and less capacity to distend their hiatus on Valsalva. The state of the PFMs at rest appears to significantly influence biometric changes in the PFMs during contraction and Valsalva.