bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of an (−)‐englerin A analogue, which antagonizes (−)‐englerin A at TRPC1/4/5 channels
Authors: Rubaiy Hussein N , Seitz Tobias , Hahn Sven , Choidas Axel , Habenberger Peter , Klebl Bert , Dinkel Klaus , Nussbaumer Peter , Waldmann Herbert , Christmann Mathias , Beech David J 
Published: December 2017

Background and Purpose(−)‐Englerin A (EA) is a potent cytotoxic agent against renal carcinoma cells. It achieves its effects by activation of transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC)4/TRPC1 heteromeric channels. It is also an agonist at channels formed by the related protein, TRPC5. Here, we sought an EA analogue, which might enable a better understanding of these effects of EA.Experimental ApproachAn EA analogue, A54, was synthesized by chemical elaboration of EA. The effects of EA and A54 on the activity of human TRPC4 or TRPC5 channels overexpressed on A498 and HEK 293 cells were investigated, firstly, by measuring intracellular Ca2+ and, secondly, current using whole‐cell patch clamp recordings.Key ResultsA54 had weak or no agonist activity at endogenous TRPC4/TRPC1 channels in A498 cells or TRPC4 or TRPC5 homomeric channels overexpressed in HEK 293 cells. A54 strongly inhibited EA‐mediated activation of TRPC4/TRPC1 or TRPC5 and weakly inhibited activation of TRPC4. Studies of TRPC5 showed that A54 shifted the EA concentration–response curve to the right without changing its slope, consistent with competitive antagonism. In contrast, Gd3+‐activated TRPC5 or sphingosine‐1‐phosphate‐activated TRPC4 channels were not inhibited but potentiated by A54. A54 did not activate TRPC3 channels or affect the activation of these channels by the agonist 1‐oleoyl‐2‐acetyl‐sn‐glycerol.Conclusions and ImplicationsThis study has revealed a new tool compound for EA and TRPC1/4/5 channel research, which could be useful for characterizing endogenous TRPC1/4/5 channels and understanding EA‐binding sites and their physiological relevance.
Using angling and electric fishing to estimate smallmouth bass abundance in a river
Authors: Mycko S. A. , Kanno Y. , Bettinger J. M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractEstimating abundance is fundamental to effective fishery management but can be challenging in a river where spatial and temporal heterogeneity may preclude the consistent use of a single sampling gear and different gears have differing size selectivity and capture probabilities of fish. In this study, the number of smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu Lacepède, was estimated based on mark–recapture data from angling and boat electric fishing in a 4.2‐km regulated section (mean width = 115 m) of the Broad River, South Carolina, USA. Closed‐population capture–mark–recapture models were fit in the Bayesian hierarchical modelling framework with an estimated number of 2,380 fish (95% credible interval: 1,578–3,693) over 200 mm TL, although simulations indicated that abundance would be slightly overestimated (<20%) when two gears selected for different individuals. Integrating two gear types into a mark–recapture study can provide a method for assessing abundance in spatially or temporally heterogeneous habitats.
Correlation of vitamin D and vitamin D receptor expression in patients with alopecia areata: a clinical paradigm
Authors: Daroach Manju , Narang Tarun , Saikia Uma N. , Sachdeva Naresh , Sendhil Kumaran Muthu 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundVitamin D (Vit.D) deficiency has been reported in alopecia areata (AA). Downregulation of Vitamin D receptor (VDR) on hair follicles is associated with reduced hair growth.ObjectiveTo correlate serum Vit.D levels with severity, pattern, and duration of AA, and density of VDR expression over hair follicles in AA patients.MethodsProspective study including 30 AA patients and 30 healthy controls. Clinical details and serum Vit.D measurement and scalp biopsy for histopathology and VDR expression was performed in patients and controls at baseline and after 6 months of treatment of AA.ResultsMean age of patients and controls was 28.9 ± 9.96 and 31.17 ± 9.43 years, respectively. Mean SALT score in patients was 35.8 ± 27.5 with a median disease duration of 48 weeks. Mean serum Vit.D levels was 7.65 ± 4.50 ng/ml and 15.8 ± 11.47 ng/ml in patients and controls, respectively. Twenty‐nine (96.7%) patients were Vit.D deficient (<20 ng/ml), compared to 22 (73.3%) controls (P = 0.001). Serum Vit.D levels inversely correlated with severity of the disease (r = ‐256), P = 0.17, and duration of disease but did not correlate with pattern of AA and VDR expression in tissue samples. VDR expression was reduced in all patients and was normal in controls. Inverse correlation of VDR was noted with presence of inflammation on histology (P = 0.02). VDR upregulation post treatment was seen only in 13% of patients and demonstrated no correlation with response to treatment.ConclusionVit.D deficiency in AA correlates inversely with disease severity and duration. VDR expression is reduced in AA and inversely correlate with inflammation histologically but does not correlates with serum Vit.D levels, severity, pattern, or duration of illness.
Notalgia paresthetica: a review for dermatologists
Authors: Howard Matthew , Sahhar Lukas , Andrews Frank , Bergman Ralph , Gin Douglas 
Published: December 2017

AbstractNotalgia paresthetica (NP) is an underdiagnosed condition that presents with unilateral pruritus medial to the scapula on the midback with or without an associated hyperpigmented or hypopigmented macule. There is a paucity of recent reviews on this chronic cutaneous neuropathy in peer‐reviewed journals. Current theories propose the condition is likely multifactorial, including spinal entrapment and muscular compressive neuropathy. An extensive literature review was performed by searching the MEDLINE database to review all published works on notalgia paresthetica. This review will provide a useful update for clinicians on the pathogenesis, clinical features, biopsy features, risk factors, and management options for this condition including pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods detailing published treatment options to date for this difficult to treat condition.
National burden of hospitalized and non‐hospitalized influenza‐associated severe acute respiratory illness in Kenya, 2012‐2014
Authors: Dawa Jeanette A. , Chaves Sandra S. , Nyawanda Bryan , Njuguna Henry N. , Makokha Carolyne , Otieno Nancy A. , Anzala Omu , Widdowson Marc‐Alain , Emukule Gideon O. 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundInfluenza‐associated respiratory illness was substantial during the emergence of the 2009 influenza pandemic. Estimates of influenza burden in the post‐pandemic period are unavailable to guide Kenyan vaccine policy.ObjectivesTo update estimates of hospitalized and non‐hospitalized influenza‐associated severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) during a post‐pandemic period (2012‐2014) and describe the incidence of disease by narrow age categories.MethodsWe used data from Siaya County Referral Hospital to estimate age‐specific base rates of SARI. We extrapolated these base rates to other regions within the country by adjusting for regional risk factors for acute respiratory illness (ARI), regional healthcare utilization for acute respiratory illness, and the proportion of influenza‐positive SARI cases in each region, so as to obtain region‐specific rates.ResultsThe mean annual rate of hospitalized influenza‐associated SARI among all ages was 21 (95% CI 19‐23) per 100 000 persons. Rates of non‐hospitalized influenza‐associated SARI were approximately 4 times higher at 82 (95% CI 74‐90) per 100 000 persons. Mean annual rates of influenza‐associated SARI were highest in children <2 years of age with annual hospitalization rates of 147 (95% CI of 134‐160) per 100 000 persons and non‐hospitalization rates of 469 (95% CI 426‐517) per 100 000 persons. For the period 2012‐2014, there were between 8153 and 9751 cases of hospitalized influenza‐associated SARI and 31 785‐38 546 cases of non‐hospitalized influenza‐associated SARI per year.ConclusionsThe highest burden of disease was observed among children <2 years of age. This highlights the need for strategies to prevent influenza infections in this age group.
Effect of K2SO4 additions on properties of porous fibrous alumina ceramics prepared by DCC and lost‐mold method
Authors: Liu Yu‐Xuan , Chen An‐Nan , Wu Jia‐Min , Liu Rong‐Zhen , Cheng Li‐Jin , Huo Wen‐Long , Li Chen‐Hui , Shi Yu‐Sheng 
Published: December 2017

AbstractFlawless porous fibrous alumina ceramics with high performance were fabricated via a novel approach involving direct coagulation casting and lost‐mold method. Stable alumina suspensions were prepared by adding sodium tri‐polyphosphate as dispersant using alumina fibers as raw material and K2SO4 as sintering aid. Resin‐coated sand molds with designed shapes for suspension casting were fabricated through 3D printing with subsequent post‐treatments. Alumina green bodies were obtained by in situ coagulation of the suspension after treating at 90°C within 40 minutes. Porous alumina ceramics were obtained after direct furnace sintering of green bodies without demolding, in which the molds would collapse automatically at around 650°C with less exhaust emission. The effect of various K2SO4 contents and sintering temperatures on mechanical properties of porous ceramics was investigated. The SEM results showed that the fibers interconnected with obvious interfacial bondings on junctions when sintered at 1450°C. The XRD patterns showed that the sample sintered with various K2SO4 additions consisted of different phases, mainly including aluminosilicates. Porosity of ceramic samples increased slightly whereas the compressive strength enhanced significantly with increasing K2SO4 addition. The density of sintered samples with different K2SO4 contents was in accord with the porosity variation tendency. The ceramic samples had uniform pore size distribution with average size from 3.18 to 7.24 μm as increasing K2SO4 addition to 40 wt%. This approach may provide a convenient and general route to fabricate various dense and porous advanced ceramics with complex shapes and good composition homogeneity.
In situ synthesis mechanism of 15R–SiAlON reinforced Al2O3 refractories by Fe–Si liquid phase sintering
Authors: Qin Haixia , Li Yong , Long Menglong , Nie Xi , Jiang Peng , Xue Wendong 
Published: December 2017

Abstract15R–SiAlON bonded Al2O3 refractories were successfully synthesized using ferrosilicon nitride and alumina by liquid phase sintering. The phase composition and morphology were analyzed by means of X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that 15R–SiAlON reinforcement can be in situ obtained in the specimens with 5 wt% ferrosilicon nitride at 1500°C to 1700°C in flowing N2 of 0.1 MPa. The morphology of 15R–SiAlON is strongly dependent on the morphology of intermediate AlON phases formed at different temperatures. Fe–Si alloys from ferrosilicon nitride form liquid phase and accelerate the formation of 15R‐SiAlON, in which process the wettability of Fe–Si alloys is improved by the increase in Si content, carbon coating on particle, solution process and reactions. The 15R–SiAlON reinforced Al2O3 refractory materials possess high cold crushing strength of 138‐171 MPa.
Metabolic responses of Eucalyptus species to different temperature regimes
Authors: Mokochinski Joao Benhur , Mazzafera Paulo , Sawaya Alexandra Christine Helena Frankland , Mumm Roland , de Vos Ric Cornelis Hendricus , Hall Robert David 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSpecies and hybrids of Eucalyptus are the world's most widely planted hardwood trees. They are cultivated across a wide range of latitudes and therefore environmental conditions. In this context, comprehensive metabolomics approaches have been used to assess how different temperature regimes may affect the metabolism of three species of Eucalyptus, E. dunnii, E. grandis and E. pellita. Young plants were grown for 53 d in the greenhouse and then transferred to growth chambers at 10°C, 20°C or 30°C for another 7 d. In all three species the leaf chlorophyll content was positively correlated to temperature, and in E. pellita the highest temperature also resulted in a significant increase in stem biomass. Comprehensive metabolomics was performed using untargeted gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and liquid chromatography (LC)‐MS. This approach enabled the comparison of the relative abundance of 88 polar primary metabolites from GC‐MS and 625 semi‐polar secondary metabolites from LC‐MS. Using principal components analysis, a major effect of temperature was observed in each species which was larger than that resulting from the genetic background. Compounds mostly affected by temperature treatment were subsequently selected using partial least squares discriminant analysis and were further identified. These putative annotations indicated that soluble sugars and several polyphenols, including tannins, triterpenes and alkaloids were mostly influenced.
Occipital blood‐brain barrier permeability is an independent predictor of visual outcome in type 2 diabetes, irrespective of the retinal barrier: A longitudinal study
Authors: Abuhaiba S. I. , Cordeiro M. , Amorim A. , Cruz Â. , Quendera B. , Ferreira C. , Ribeiro L. , Bernardes R. , Castelo‐Branco M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBlood‐brain barrier (BBB) permeability in type 2 diabetic patients has been previously shown to be altered in certain brain regions such as the basal ganglia and the hippocampus. Because of the histological and functional similarities between the BBB) and the blood‐retinal barrier (BRB), we aimed to investigate how the permeability of both barriers predicts visual outcome. We included 2 control groups (acute unilateral stroke patients, n = 9; type 2 diabetics without BRB leakage n = 10) and a case study group of type 2 diabetics with established BRB leakage (n = 17). We evaluated sex, age, disease duration, metabolic impairment, retinopathy grade and BBB permeability as predictors of visual acuity at baseline, 12 and 24 months in the type 2 diabetics without BRB leakage group and the case study group. We have also explored differences in BBB permeability in the occipital lobe and frontal lobe in the 3 different groups. Ktrans (volume transfer coefficient) and Vp (fractional plasma volume) were estimated. The BBB permeability parameter Vp was higher in the case study group compared to the unaffected hemisphere of the stroke patient control group, suggesting vascular dynamics were changed in the occipital lobe of type 2 diabetics with established BRB leakage. These patients showed a significant correlation between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels and occipital and frontal Ktrans. We report for the first time that occipital BBB permeability is an independent predictor of visual acuity at baseline, as well as at 12 and 24 months, in type 2 diabetics with established BRB leakage. Our results suggest that occipital BBB permeability might be an independent biomarker for visual impairment in patients with established BRB leakage.
Evaluation of the Live Biotherapeutic Product, Asymptomatic BacteriuriaEscherichia coli2‐12, in Healthy Dogs and Dogs with Clinical RecurrentUTI
Authors: Segev G. , Sykes J.E. , Klumpp D.J. , Schaeffer A.J. , Antaki E.M. , Byrne B.A. , Yaggie R.E. , Westropp J.L. 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance is an emerging problem.Hypothesis/ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and efficacy of a live biotherapeutic product,ASBE. coli2‐12 forUTItreatment.AnimalsSix healthy research dogs; nine client‐owned dogs with recurrentUTI.MethodsProspective noncontrolled clinical trial. For safety data, research dogs were sedated, a urinary catheter was inserted into the bladder; 1010CFU/mLofASBE. coli2‐12 was instilled. Urine was cultured on days 1, 3, and 8 post‐instillation and dogs were observed for lower urinary tract signs (LUTS). For client‐owned dogs,ASBE. coli2‐12 was instilled similarly and urine cultures analyzed on days 1, 7, and 14 days postinstillation.ResultsNoLUTSwere noted in any of the 6 research dogs afterASBE. coli2‐12 infusion. Pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) studies confirmed the bacterial strains isolated matched thatASBE. coli2‐12 strain. Four of the nine client‐owned dogs had complete or nearly complete clinical cures by day 14. Of these four dogs, 3 also had microbiologic cures at day 14; one of these dogs had subclinical bacteriuria (in addition toASBE. coli2‐12). Three of these four dogs hadASBE. coli2‐12 isolated from their urine at day 14. With the exception of mild, temporary, self‐limiting, hyporexia in two dogs on the day of biotherapeutic administration, there were no major adverse effects.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThese results suggestASBE. coli2‐12 is safe and should be investigated in a larger controlled study evaluating clinicalUTIin dogs.
ApoplastP: prediction of effectors and plant proteins in the apoplast using machine learning
Authors: Sperschneider Jana , Dodds Peter N. , Singh Karam B. , Taylor Jennifer M. 
Published: December 2017

Summary

The plant apoplast is integral to intercellular signalling, transport and plant–pathogen interactions. Plant pathogens deliver effectors both into the apoplast and inside host cells, but no computational method currently exists to discriminate between these localizations.

We present ApoplastP, the first method for predicting whether an effector or plant protein localizes to the apoplast.

ApoplastP uncovers features of apoplastic localization common to both effectors and plant proteins, namely depletion in glutamic acid, acidic amino acids and charged amino acids and enrichment in small amino acids. ApoplastP predicts apoplastic localization in effectors with a sensitivity of 75% and a false positive rate of 5%, improving the accuracy of cysteine‐rich classifiers by > 13%. ApoplastP does not depend on the presence of a signal peptide and correctly predicts the localization of unconventionally secreted proteins. The secretomes of fungal saprophytes as well as necrotrophic, hemibiotrophic and extracellular fungal pathogens are enriched for predicted apoplastic proteins. Rust pathogens have low proportions of predicted apoplastic proteins, but these are highly enriched for predicted effectors.

ApoplastP pioneers apoplastic localization prediction using machine learning. It will facilitate functional studies and will be valuable for predicting if an effector localizes to the apoplast or if it enters plant cells.
Therapeutic patient education in children with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis: A multicenter randomized controlled trial in China
Authors: Liang Yuan , Tian Jing , Shen Chun Ping , Xu Feng , Wang Hua , Li Ping , Guo Yan Ping , Wei Feng Lei , Ma Lin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundTherapeutic patient education is a continuous, systematic, patient‐centered learning process to help patients and their families acquire and maintain the skills they need to manage their lives with a chronic disease. It has been proven effective in increasing treatment adherence and improving quality of life for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) in Western countries. We introduce the first multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial of therapeutic patient education in Chinese children with AD.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of therapeutic patient education on the severity of AD, quality of life, and understanding and successful use of emollients in Chinese children with eczema.MethodsWe recruited 580 children, ages 2‐14 years, with moderate to severe AD from six hospitals in China. Participants were randomized (1:1) to an intervention (n = 293) or control (n = 249) group. In addition to the severity of AD, data on quality of life and a questionnaire on family and patient knowledge of emollients were evaluated at the 6‐month follow‐up.ResultsOn study completion, we found that the intervention group showed a significantly greater reduction in mean SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (P < .001) and Infant's Dermatology Life Quality Index (P = .030) scores than the control group. In addition, knowledge about the use of emollients improved significantly in the intervention group. There was no significant difference between groups in Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index scores.ConclusionsThe first randomized controlled trial of a therapeutic patient education program in China had positive long‐term effects on decreasing eczema severity and improvement of quality of life in children 2‐4 years of age with AD, as well as in promoting greater understanding of the use of emollients.
Porphyry Copper Deposit Prognosis in the Middle Region of the Bangonghu–Nujiang Metallogenic Belt, Tibet, Using ASTER Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Dai Jingjing , Qu Xiaoming , Song Yang 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe Bangonghu–Nujiang metallogenic belt is considered to be Tibet’s third copper belt after the Yulong and Gangdese copper belts. The Duolong gold‐rich porphyry copper deposit, located in the western part of the Bangonghu–Nujiang belt was recently recognized as a superlarge prospect. The Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) was used to characterize the Duolong porphyry deposit alteration area, and three methods, color enhancement, band ratio transformation, and spectral angle mapping, were utilized to extract the phyllic and argillic alteration zones, which are typically considered the most important predictors of porphyry copper. Seven prospecting areas, which match mapped alteration zones, were delineated in the Duolong deposit. In addition, an ASTER image of the eastern region of the Bangonghu–Nujiang belt in the Xiongmei area was used to extract alteration information, and an area with image characteristics similar to the Duobuza and Bolong ore deposits was identified as a prospecting area. Numerous malachite outcrops were identified in the field, and both laboratory analysis and isotopic dating confirmed that the deposit had formed concurrently with the Duobuza deposit (119 Ma). Geologic mapping at the 1:5000 scale was conducted in the area, and three types of ore‐bearing rocks were identified, indicating that this area has significant potential to host ore deposits. The discovery of the Xiongmei copper mining area is significant for the Bangonghu–Nujiang belt.
String‐Vacuous Head Movement in Japanese: New Evidence from Verb‐Echo Answers
Authors: Sato Yosuke , Hayashi Shintaro 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWhether Japanese has verb raising or not has been one of the most contentious issues in the literature for more than 20 years. This Remark presents novel evidence for string‐vacuous head movement from the previously unexplored perspective of verb‐echo answers. We propose that such an answer form in Japanese is derived through V–T–C movement in overt syntax, followed byTPellipsis at Phonological Form (PF), rejecting the alternativepro‐drop analysis. Our analysis is supported by a wide range of new facts on verb‐echo answers, including the indefinitepro‐drop restriction, the impossibility of voice mismatches, and adverb‐inclusive interpretations. Because our theory presupposes head movement as its central analytical premise, the results of this article indicate that Japanese grammar is equipped with string‐vacuous verb raising. We will also briefly explore some curious behaviors of verb raising in Japanese relating to the scope of negation under ellipsis and intervention effects. We will argue that this phenomenon differs fundamentally from its counterpart in European languages such as French in that the former is an optional operation in narrow syntax that only occurs if it yields new outcomes atPFand/or Logical Form (LF).