bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical implications of serum adiponectin on progression of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Yamaguchi Naoko , Okumura Yasuo , Watanabe Ichiro , Nagashima Koichi , Takahashi Keiko , Iso Kazuki , Watanabe Ryuta , Arai Masaru , Kurokawa Sayaka , Ohkubo Kimie , Nakai Toshiko , Hirayama Atsushi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe association between circulating adiponectin levels and atrial fibrillation (AF) is uncertain. We, therefore, investigated whether an increased serum adiponectin level is implicated in the long‐term recurrence of AF after ablation therapy.MethodsOur study included 100 consecutive patients (88 men; median age, 57.9±10.9 years) who underwent catheter ablation for AF at our hospital between 2011 and 2013. The adiponectin and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels were measured before ablation and compared between those in whom AF recurred and those in whom AF did not recur.ResultsElevation in adiponectin levels was significantly associated with female sex, non‐paroxysmal AF, heart failure, higher NT‐proBNP and matrix metallo‐proteinase‐2 levels, and lower body mass index. After a stepwise adjustment for any potential confounding variables, the adiponectin levels remained significantly associated with female sex (beta=0.2601, P=0.0041), non‐paroxysmal AF (beta=0.2708, P=0.0080), and higher NT‐proBNP levels (beta=0.2536, P= 0.0138). During the median follow‐up period of 26.2 months, AF recurred in 48 of the 100 patients. Stepwise multivariate adjustment showed that an increased log‐transformed NT‐proBNP (Hazard ratio [HR], 2.18; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25–4.00; P=0.0055), longer duration of AF (HR, 1.87; 95%CI 1.01–3.76; P=0.0465), and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (HR, 0.96; 95%CI 0.93–0.99; P=0.0391) were independent predictors of recurrent AF after catheter ablation, but adiponectin was not.ConclusionsOur data indicated that adiponectin was partially responsible for progression of AF, but the correlation between adiponectin levels and AF recurrence was not significant.
An Early History of Compassion
Authors: Mirguet Françoise 
Published: September 2017

In this book, Françoise Mirguet traces the appropriation and reinterpretation of pity by Greek-speaking Jewish communities of Late Antiquity. Pity and compassion, in this corpus, comprised a hybrid of Hebrew, Greek, and Roman constructions; depending on the texts, they were a spontaneous feeling, a practice, a virtue, or a precept of the Mosaic law. The requirement to feel for those who suffer sustained the identity of the Jewish minority, both creating continuity with its traditions and emulating dominant discourses. Mirguet&apos;s book will be of interest to scholars of early Judaism and Christianity for its sensitivity to the role of feelings and imagination in the shaping of identity. An important contribution to the history of emotions, it explores the role of the emotional imagination within the context of Roman imperialism. It also contributes to understanding how compassion has come to be so highly valued in Western cultures.
Microbial Disruption Indices to Detect Colonization With Multidrug-Resistant Organisms
Authors: Araos Rafael , Montgomery Veronica , Ugalde Juan A. , Snyder Graham M. , D’Agata Erika M. C. 
Published: September 2017

OBJECTIVETo characterize the microbial disruption indices of hospitalized patients to predict colonization with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs).DESIGNA cross-sectional survey of the fecal microbiome was conducted in a tertiary referral, acute-care hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.PARTICIPANTSThe study population consisted of adult patients hospitalized in general medical/surgical wards.METHODSRectal swabs were obtained from patients within 48 hours of hospital admission and screened for MDRO colonization using conventional culture techniques. The V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced to assess the fecal microbiome. Microbial diversity and composition, as well as the functional potential of the microbial communities present in fecal samples, were compared between patients with and without MDRO colonization.RESULTSA total of 44 patients were included in the study, of whom 11 (25%) were colonized with at least 1 MDRO. Reduced microbial diversity and high abundance of metabolic pathways associated with multidrug-resistance mechanisms characterized the fecal microbiome of patients colonized with MDRO at hospital admission.CONCLUSIONSOur data suggest that microbial disruption indices may be key to predicting MDRO colonization and could provide novel infection control approaches.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1312–1318
A new fossil evaniid wasp from Eocene Baltic amber, with highly modified compound eyes unique within the Hymenoptera
Authors: Jennings John T. , O’Carroll David D. , Priya  , Krogmann Lars , Austin Andrew D. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractEvaniid wasps develop as solitary egg predators within the oothecae of cockroaches. Fossil evaniids are relatively common compared with most other parasitoid Hymenoptera, undoubtedly due to their searching for host cockroaches on tree trunks and thus an increased chance of being trapped in tree resin. The genusParevaniaKieffer, 1907 is widely distributed through the Old World and is also known from a small number of rather unremarkable fossil taxa. Here we add to this extinct faunaParevania oculiseparataJennings, Krogmann, and Austin new species from Baltic Eocene amber, a species that has highly modified compound eyes that are unique among the Hymenoptera, and possibly among insects as a whole.Parevania oculiseparatan. sp. possesses a prominent acute ridge extending across the entire dorso-ventral elongation of the eye surface. Modifications to the regular curved surface of the eyes are extremely rare among Hymenoptera and previously were only known from two species ofInostemmaHaliday, 1833 (Platygastridae s. s.) and the three known species ofIsomeralaShipp, 1894 (Eucharitidae). In describing this unusual fossil evaniid species, we also analyze the optical consequences of the eye surface discontinuity, and discuss different types of compound eye modifications that occur in other Hymenoptera and other insects.
Antihistamines for treating rhinosinusitis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled studies
Authors: Seresirikachorn K , Khattiyawittayakun L , Chitsuthipakorn W , Snidvongs K 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackground:Without the release of histamines, patients with rhinosinusitis may not benefit from antihistamines. Additionally, anticholinergic effects may do more harm than good. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of antihistamines in treating rhinosinusitis.Methods:An electronic search was performed. Randomised controlled trials comparing antihistamines with either placebo or other treatments for patients with rhinosinusitis were selected.Results:Two studies (184 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Loratadine decreased nasal obstruction in allergic rhinitis patients with acute rhinosinusitis (mean difference = −0.58; confidence interval = −0.85 to −0.31,p< 0.01), but had no benefit on total symptom score (mean difference = −1.25; confidence interval = −2.77 to 0.27,p= 0.11), or rhinorrhoea symptoms (mean difference = −0.06; confidence interval = −0.37 to 0.25,p= 0.71).Conclusion:There is limited evidence to support the use of antihistamines in treating rhinosinusitis. The number of included studies in this systematic review is limited. Antihistamines may relieve nasal obstruction in allergic rhinitis patients with acute rhinosinusitis.
Is it possible to register the ideas, concerns and expectations behind the reason for encounter as a means of classifying patient preferences with ICPC-2?
Authors: Schrans Diego , Boeckxstaens Pauline , De Sutter An , Willems Sara , Avonts Dirk , Christiaens Thierry , Matthys Jan , Kühlein Thomas 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundFamily practice aims to recognize the health problems and needs expressed by the person rather than only focusing on the disease. Documenting person-related information will facilitate both the understanding and delivery of person-focused care.AimTo explore if the patients’ ideas, concerns and expectations (ICE) behind the reason for encounter (RFE) can be coded with the International Classification of Primary Care, version 2 (ICPC-2) and what kinds of codes are missing to be able to do so.MethodsIn total, 613 consultations were observed, and patients’ expressions of ICE were narratively recorded. These descriptions were consequently translated to ICPC codes by two researchers. Descriptions that could not be translated were qualitatively analysed in order to identify gaps in ICPC-2.ResultsIn all, 613 consultations yielded 672 ICE expressions. Within the 123 that could not be coded with ICPC-2, eight categories could be defined: concern about the duration/time frame; concern about the evolution/severity; concern of being contagious or a danger to others; patient has no concern, but others do; expects a confirmation of something; expects a solution for the symptoms without specification of what it should be; expects a specific procedure; and expects that something is not done.DiscussionAlthough many ICE can be registered with ICPC-2, adding eight new categories would capture almost all ICE.
Nonreciprocal reconfigurable microwave optomechanical circuit
Authors: Bernier N. R. , Tóth L. D. , Koottandavida A. , Ioannou M. A. , Malz D. , Nunnenkamp A. , Feofanov A. K. , Kippenberg T. J. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractNonreciprocal microwave devices are ubiquitous in radar and radio communication and indispensable in the readout chains of superconducting quantum circuits. Since they commonly rely on ferrite materials requiring large magnetic fields that make them bulky and lossy, there has been significant interest in magnetic-field-free on-chip alternatives, such as those recently implemented using the Josephson nonlinearity. Here, we realize reconfigurable nonreciprocal transmission between two microwave modes using purely optomechanical interactions in a superconducting electromechanical circuit. The scheme relies on the interference in two mechanical modes that mediate coupling between the microwave cavities and requires no magnetic field. We analyse the isolation, transmission and the noise properties of this nonreciprocal circuit. Finally, we show how quantum-limited circulators can be realized with the same principle. All-optomechanically mediated nonreciprocity demonstrated here can also be extended to directional amplifiers, and it forms the basis towards realizing topological states of light and sound.
Tumor-associated B-cells induce tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance
Authors: Somasundaram Rajasekharan , Zhang Gao , Fukunaga-Kalabis Mizuho , Perego Michela , Krepler Clemens , Xu Xiaowei , Wagner Christine , Hristova Denitsa , Zhang Jie , Tian Tian , Wei Zhi , Liu Qin , Garg Kanika , Griss Johannes , Hards Rufus , Maurer Margarita , Hafner Christine , Mayerhöfer Marius , Karanikas Georgios , Jalili Ahmad , Bauer-Pohl Verena , Weihsengruber Felix , Rappersberger Klemens , Koller Josef , Lang Roland , Hudgens Courtney , Chen Guo , Tetzlaff Michael , Wu Lawrence , Frederick Dennie Tompers , Scolyer Richard A. , Long Georgina V. , Damle Manashree , Ellingsworth Courtney , Grinman Leon , Choi Harry , Gavin Brian J. , Dunagin Margaret , Raj Arjun , Scholler Nathalie , Gross Laura , Beqiri Marilda , Bennett Keiryn , Watson Ian , Schaider Helmut , Davies Michael A. , Wargo Jennifer , Czerniecki Brian J. , Schuchter Lynn , Herlyn Dorothee , Flaherty Keith , Herlyn Meenhard , Wagner Stephan N. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn melanoma, therapies with inhibitors to oncogenic BRAFV600E are highly effective but responses are often short-lived due to the emergence of drug-resistant tumor subpopulations. We describe here a mechanism of acquired drug resistance through the tumor microenvironment, which is mediated by human tumor-associated B cells. Human melanoma cells constitutively produce the growth factor FGF-2, which activates tumor-infiltrating B cells to produce the growth factor IGF-1. B-cell-derived IGF-1 is critical for resistance of melanomas to BRAF and MEK inhibitors due to emergence of heterogeneous subpopulations and activation of FGFR-3. Consistently, resistance of melanomas to BRAF and/or MEK inhibitors is associated with increased CD20 and IGF-1 transcript levels in tumors and IGF-1 expression in tumor-associated B cells. Furthermore, first clinical data from a pilot trial in therapy-resistant metastatic melanoma patients show anti-tumor activity through B-cell depletion by anti-CD20 antibody. Our findings establish a mechanism of acquired therapy resistance through tumor-associated B cells with important clinical implications.
miR-9a modulates maintenance and ageing of Drosophila germline stem cells by limiting N-cadherin expression
Authors: Epstein Yehonatan , Perry Noam , Volin Marina , Zohar-Fux Maayan , Braun Rachel , Porat-Kuperstein Lilach , Toledano Hila 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAgeing is characterized by a decline in stem cell functionality leading to dampened tissue regeneration. While the expression of microRNAs across multiple species is markedly altered with age, the mechanism by which they govern stem cell-sustained tissue regeneration is unknown. We report that in the Drosophila testis, the conserved miR-9a is expressed in germline stem cells and its levels are significantly elevated during ageing. Transcriptome and functional analyses show that miR-9a directly regulates the expression of the adhesion molecule N-cadherin (N-cad). miR-9a null mutants maintain a higher number of stem cells even in the aged tissue. Remarkably, this rise fails to improve tissue regeneration and results in reduced male fertility. Similarly, overexpression of N-cad also results in elevated stem cell number and decreased regeneration. We propose that miR-9a downregulates N-cad to enable adequate detachment of stem cells toward differentiation, thus providing the necessary directionality toward terminal differentiation and spermatogenesis.
Dimerization regulates both deaminase-dependent and deaminase-independent HIV-1 restriction by APOBEC3G
Authors: Morse Michael , Huo Ran , Feng Yuqing , Rouzina Ioulia , Chelico Linda , Williams Mark C. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAPOBEC3G (A3G) is a human enzyme that inhibits human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infectivity, in the absence of the viral infectivity factor Vif, through deoxycytidine deamination and a deamination-independent mechanism. A3G converts from a fast to a slow binding state through oligomerization, which suggests that large A3G oligomers could block HIV-1 reverse transcriptase-mediated DNA synthesis, thereby inhibiting HIV-1 replication. However, it is unclear how the small number of A3G molecules found in the virus could form large oligomers. Here we measure the single-stranded DNA binding and oligomerization kinetics of wild-type and oligomerization-deficient A3G, and find that A3G first transiently binds DNA as a monomer. Subsequently, A3G forms N-terminal domain-mediated dimers, whose dissociation from DNA is reduced and their deaminase activity inhibited. Overall, our results suggest that the A3G molecules packaged in the virion first deaminate viral DNA as monomers before dimerizing to form multiple enzymatically deficient roadblocks that may inhibit reverse transcription.
Hydrodeoxygenation of water-insoluble bio-oil to alkanes using a highly dispersed Pd–Mo catalyst
Authors: Duan Haohong , Dong Juncai , Gu Xianrui , Peng Yung-Kang , Chen Wenxing , Issariyakul Titipong , Myers William K. , Li Meng-Jung , Yi Ni , Kilpatrick Alexander F. R. , Wang Yu , Zheng Xusheng , Ji Shufang , Wang Qian , Feng Junting , Chen Dongliang , Li Yadong , Buffet Jean-Charles , Liu Haichao , Tsang Shik Chi Edman , O’Hare Dermot 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBio-oil, produced by the destructive distillation of cheap and renewable lignocellulosic biomass, contains high energy density oligomers in the water-insoluble fraction that can be utilized for diesel and valuable fine chemicals productions. Here, we show an efficient hydrodeoxygenation catalyst that combines highly dispersed palladium and ultrafine molybdenum phosphate nanoparticles on silica. Using phenol as a model substrate this catalyst is 100% effective and 97.5% selective for hydrodeoxygenation to cyclohexane under mild conditions in a batch reaction; this catalyst also demonstrates regeneration ability in long-term continuous flow tests. Detailed investigations into the nature of the catalyst show that it combines hydrogenation activity of Pd and high density of both Brønsted and Lewis acid sites; we believe these are key features for efficient catalytic hydrodeoxygenation behavior. Using a wood and bark-derived feedstock, this catalyst performs hydrodeoxygenation of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose-derived oligomers into liquid alkanes with high efficiency and yield.
Andreev molecules in semiconductor nanowire double quantum dots
Authors: Su Zhaoen , Tacla Alexandre B. , Hocevar Moïra , Car Diana , Plissard Sébastien R. , Bakkers Erik P. A. M. , Daley Andrew J. , Pekker David , Frolov Sergey M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractChains of quantum dots coupled to superconductors are promising for the realization of the Kitaev model of a topological superconductor. While individual superconducting quantum dots have been explored, control of longer chains requires understanding of interdot coupling. Here, double quantum dots are defined by gate voltages in indium antimonide nanowires. High transparency superconducting niobium titanium nitride contacts are made to each of the dots in order to induce superconductivity, as well as probe electron transport. Andreev bound states induced on each of dots hybridize to define Andreev molecular states. The evolution of these states is studied as a function of charge parity on the dots, and in magnetic field. The experiments are found in agreement with a numerical model.
Soft material for soft actuators
Authors: Miriyev Aslan , Stack Kenneth , Lipson Hod 
Published: September 2017

AbstractInspired by natural muscle, a key challenge in soft robotics is to develop self-contained electrically driven soft actuators with high strain density. Various characteristics of existing technologies, such as the high voltages required to trigger electroactive polymers ( > 1KV), low strain ( < 10%) of shape memory alloys and the need for external compressors and pressure-regulating components for hydraulic or pneumatic fluidicelastomer actuators, limit their practicality for untethered applications. Here we show a single self-contained soft robust composite material that combines the elastic properties of a polymeric matrix and the extreme volume change accompanying liquid–vapor transition. The material combines a high strain (up to 900%) and correspondingly high stress (up to 1.3 MPa) with low density (0.84 g cm−3). Along with its extremely low cost (about 3 cent per gram), simplicity of fabrication and environment-friendliness, these properties could enable new kinds of electrically driven entirely soft robots.
Agonist immunotherapy restores T cell function following MEK inhibition improving efficacy in breast cancer
Authors: Dushyanthen Sathana , Teo Zhi Ling , Caramia Franco , Savas Peter , Mintoff Christopher P. , Virassamy Balaji , Henderson Melissa A. , Luen Stephen J. , Mansour Mariam , Kershaw Michael H. , Trapani Joseph A. , Neeson Paul J. , Salgado Roberto , McArthur Grant A. , Balko Justin M. , Beavis Paul A. , Darcy Phillip K. , Loi Sherene 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in triple-negative breast cancers is correlated with improved outcomes. Ras/MAPK pathway activation is associated with significantly lower levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in triple-negative breast cancers and while MEK inhibition can promote recruitment of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to the tumor, here we show that MEK inhibition adversely affects early onset T-cell effector function. We show that α-4-1BB and α-OX-40 T-cell agonist antibodies can rescue the adverse effects of MEK inhibition on T cells in both mouse and human T cells, which results in augmented anti-tumor effects in vivo. This effect is dependent upon increased downstream p38/JNK pathway activation. Taken together, our data suggest that although Ras/MAPK pathway inhibition can increase tumor immunogenicity, the negative impact on T-cell activity is functionally important. This undesirable impact is effectively prevented by combination with T-cell immune agonist immunotherapies resulting in superior therapeutic efficacy.
Mild hypothermia provides Treg stability
Authors: Marek-Trzonkowska Natalia , Piekarska Karolina , Filipowicz Natalia , Piotrowski Arkadiusz , Gucwa Magdalena , Vogt Katrin , Sawitzki Birgit , Siebert Janusz , Trzonkowski Piotr 
Published: September 2017

AbstractRegulatory T cells (Tregs) play crucial role in maintenance of peripheral tolerance. Recent clinical trials confirmed safety and efficacy of Treg treatment of deleterious immune responses. However, Tregs lose their characteristic phenotype and suppressive potential during expansionex vivo. Therefore, multiple research teams have been studding Treg biology in aim to improve their stabilityin vitro. In the current paper, we demonstrate that mild hypothermia of 33 °C induces robust proliferation of Tregs, preserves expression of FoxP3, CD25 and Helios, and prevents TSDR methylation during culturein vitro. Tregs expanded at 33 °C have stronger immunosuppressive potential and remarkably anti-inflammatory phenotype demonstrated by the whole transcriptome sequencing. These observations shed new light on impact of temperature on regulation of immune response. We show that just a simple change in temperature can preserve Treg stability, function and accelerate their proliferation, responding to unanswered question- how to preserve Treg stabilityin vitro.
Granule cells control recovery from classical conditioned fear responses in the zebrafish cerebellum
Authors: Matsuda Koji , Yoshida Masayuki , Kawakami Koichi , Hibi Masahiko , Shimizu Takashi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAlthough previous studies show that the cerebellum is involved in classical fear conditioning, it is not clear which components in the cerebellum control it or how. We addressed this issue using a delayed fear-conditioning paradigm with late-stage zebrafish larvae, with the light extinguishment as the conditioned stimulus (CS) and an electric shock as the unconditioned stimulus (US). The US induced bradycardia in the restrained larvae. After paired-associate conditioning with the CS and US, a substantial population of the larvae displayed CS-evoked bradycardia responses. To investigate the roles of the zebrafish cerebellum in classical fear conditioning, we expressed botulinum toxin or the Ca2+ indicator GCaMP7a in cerebellar neurons. The botulinum-toxin-dependent inhibition of granule-cell transmissions in the corpus cerebelli (CCe, the medial lobe) did not suppress the CS-evoked bradycardia response, but rather prolonged the response. We identified cerebellar neurons with elevated CS-evoked activity after the conditioning. The CS-evoked activity of these neurons was progressively upregulated during the conditioning and was downregulated with repetition of the unpaired CS. Some of these neurons were activated immediately upon the CS presentation, whereas others were activated after a delay. Our findings indicate that granule cells control the recovery from conditioned fear responses in zebrafish.