bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
c‐Fos and Arc/Arg3.1 expression in auditory and visual cortices after hearing loss: Evidence of sensory crossmodal reorganization in adult rats
Authors: Pernia M. , Estevez S. , Poveda C. , Plaza I. , Carro J. , Juiz J.M. , Merchan M. A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractCross‐modal reorganization in the auditory and visual cortices has been reported after hearing and visual deficits mostly during the developmental period, possibly underlying sensory compensation mechanisms. However, there are very few data on the existence or nature and timeline of such reorganization events during sensory deficits in adulthood. In this study, we assessed long‐term changes in activity‐dependent immediate early genes c‐Fos and Arc/Arg3.1 in auditory and neighboring visual cortical areas after bilateral deafness in young adult rats. Specifically, we analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively c‐Fos and Arc/Arg3.1 immunoreactivity at 15 and 90 days after cochlea removal. We report extensive, global loss of c‐Fos and Arc/Arg3.1 immunoreactive neurons in the auditory cortex 15 days after permanent auditory deprivation in adult rats, which is partly reversed 90 days after deafness. Simultaneously, the number and labeling intensity of c‐Fos‐ and Arc/Arg3.1‐immunoreactive neurons progressively increase in neighboring visual cortical areas from 2 weeks after deafness and these changes stabilize three months after inducing the cochlear lesion. These findings support plastic, compensatory, long‐term changes in activity in the auditory and visual cortices after auditory deprivation in the adult rats. Further studies may clarify whether those changes result in perceptual potentiation of visual drives on auditory regions of the adult cortex.
Sexually selected size differences and conserved sexual monomorphism of genital cortex
Authors: Lauer Simon M. , Lenschow Constanze , Brecht Michael 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe mammalian somatosensory cortex shows marked species‐specific differences. How evolution in general and sexual selection in particular shape the somatosensory cortical body representation has not been delineated, however. Here we address this issue by a comparative analysis of genital cortex. Genitals are unique body parts in that they show sexual dimorphism, major changes in puberty and typically more pronounced species differences than other body parts (Hosken & Stockley, 2004). To study the evolution of genital cortex we flattened cortical hemispheres and assembled 104 complete body maps, revealed by cytochrome‐oxidase activity in layer 4 of 8 rodent and 1 lagomorph species. In two species, we also performed antibody stainings against vesicular glutamate transporter‐2, which suggested that cytochrome‐oxidase maps closely mirror thalamic innervation. We consistently observed a protrusion between hindlimb and forelimb representation, which in rats (Lenschow et al., 2016) corresponds to the penis representation in males and the clitoris representation in females. Consistent with the idea that this protrusion corresponds to genital cortex, we observed a size increase of this protrusion during puberty. Species differed in external genital sexual dimorphism, but we observed a sexual monomorphism of the putative genital protrusion in all species, similar to previous observations in rats. The relative size of the putative genital protrusion varied more than 3‐fold between species ranging from 0.5% of somatosensory cortex area in chipmunks to 1.7% in rats. This relative size of the genital protrusion co‐varied with relative testicle size, an indicator of sperm competition and sexual selection.
Electrochemically Driven Fermentation of Organic Substrates with Undefined Mixed Microbial Cultures
Authors: Villano Marianna , Paiano Paola , Palma Enza , Miccheli Alfredo , Majone Mauro 
Published: May 2017

AbstractGrowing scientific interest in mixed microbial culture‐based anaerobic biotechnologies for the production of value‐added chemicals and fuels from organic waste residues requires a parallel focus on the development and implementation of strategies to control the distribution of products. This study examined the feasibility of an electrofermentation approach, based on the introduction of a polarized (−700 mV vs. the standard hydrogen electrode) graphite electrode in the fermentation medium, to steer the product distribution during the conversion of organic substrates (glucose, ethanol, and acetate supplied as single compounds or in mixtures) by undefined mixed microbial cultures. In batch experiments, the polarized electrode triggered a nearly 20‐fold increase (relative to open circuit controls) in the yield of isobutyrate production (0.43±0.01 vs. 0.02±0.02 mol mol−1 glucose) during the anaerobic fermentation of the ternary mixture of substrates, without adversely affecting the rate of substrate bioconversion. The observed change in the fermentative metabolism was most likely triggered by the (potentiostatic) regulation of the oxidation–reduction potential of the reaction medium rather than by the electrode serving as an electron donor.
An optimized image analysis algorithm for detecting nuclear signals in digital whole slides for histopathology
Authors: Paulik Róbert , Micsik Tamás , Kiszler Gábor , Kaszál Péter , Székely János , Paulik Norbert , Várhalmi Eszter , Prémusz Viktória , Krenács Tibor , Molnár Béla 
Published: May 2017

AbstractNuclear estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and Ki‐67 protein positive tumor cell fractions are semiquantitatively assessed in breast cancer for prognostic and predictive purposes. These biomarkers are usually revealed using immunoperoxidase methods resulting in diverse signal intensity and frequent inhomogeneity in tumor cell nuclei, which are routinely scored and interpreted by a pathologist during conventional light‐microscopic examination. In the last decade digital pathology‐based whole slide scanning and image analysis algorithms have shown tremendous development to support pathologists in this diagnostic process, which can directly influence patient selection for targeted‐ and chemotherapy. We have developed an image analysis algorithm optimized for whole slide quantification of nuclear immunostaining signals of ER, PR, and Ki‐67 proteins in breast cancers. In this study, we tested the consistency and reliability of this system both in a series of brightfield and DAPI stained fluorescent samples. Our method allows the separation of overlapping cells and signals, reliable detection of vesicular nuclei and background compensation, especially in FISH stained slides. Detection accuracy and the processing speeds were validated in routinely immunostained breast cancer samples of varying reaction intensities and image qualities. Our technique supported automated nuclear signal detection with excellent efficacy: Precision Rate/Positive Predictive Value was 90.23 ± 4.29%, while Recall Rate/Sensitivity was 88.23 ± 4.84%. These factors and average counting speed of our algorithm were compared with two other open source applications (QuPath and CellProfiler) and resulted in 6–7% higher Recall Rate, while 4‐ to 30‐fold higher processing speed. In conclusion, our image analysis algorithm can reliably detect and count nuclear signals in digital whole slides or any selected large areas i.e. hot spots, thus can support pathologists in assessing clinically important nuclear biomarkers with less intra‐ and interlaboratory bias inherent of empirical scoring. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Alongshore variation in barnacle populations is determined by surf zone hydrodynamics
Authors: Shanks Alan L. , Morgan Steven G. , MacMahan Jamie , Reniers Ad J. H. M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractLarvae in the coastal ocean are transported toward shore by a variety of mechanisms. Crossing the surf zone is the last step in a shoreward migration and surf zones may act as semipermeable barriers altering delivery of larvae to the shore. We related variation in the structure of intertidal barnacle populations to surf zone width (surf zone hydrodynamics proxy), wave height, alongshore wind stress (upwelling proxy), solar radiation, and latitude at 40 rocky intertidal sites from San Diego, California to the Olympic Peninsula, Washington. We measured daily settlement and weekly recruitment of barnacles at selected sites and related these measures to surf zone width. Chthamalus density varied inversely with that of Balanus, and the density of Balanus and new recruits was negatively related to solar radiation. Across the region, long‐term mean wave height and an indicator of upwelling intensity and frequency did not explain variation in Balanus or new recruit densities. Balanus and new recruit densities, daily settlement, and weekly recruitment were up to three orders of magnitude higher at sites with wide (>50 m), more dissipative surf zones with bathymetric rip currents than at sites with narrow (<50 m) more reflective surf zones. Surf zone width explained 30–50% of the variability in Balanus and new recruit densities. We sampled a subset of sites <5 km apart where coastal hydrodynamics such as upwelling should be very similar. At paired sites with similar surf zone widths, Balanus densities were not different. If surf zone widths at paired sites were dissimilar, Balanus densities, daily settlement, and weekly recruitment were significantly higher at sites with the wider, more dissipative surf zone. The primary drivers of surf zone hydrodynamics are the wave climate and the slope of the shore and these persist over time; therefore site‐specific stability in surf zone hydrodynamics should result in stable barnacle population characteristics. Variations in surf zone hydrodynamics appear to play a fundamental role in regulating barnacle populations along the open coast, which, in turn, may have consequences for the entire intertidal community.
Choosing the appropriate configuration and cannulation strategies for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: the potential dynamic process of organ support and importance of hybrid modes
Authors: Sorokin Vitaly , MacLaren Graeme , Vidanapathirana Puwalani C. , Delnoij Thijs , Lorusso Roberto 
Published: May 2017

AbstractExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is becoming a common procedure to support patients with severe cardio‐circulatory or respiratory failure as well as in case of combined compromise of the two systems. Deciding whichECMOconfiguration and proceeding with an uneventful implantation, however, may present minor or major shortcomings. Cannulation techniques should be tailored to specific patient conditions to provide sufficient regional and systemic perfusion, both of which must be comprehensively monitored. Changes in the patient's status or suboptimalECMO‐related support, however, may occur and should trigger re‐appraisal of the cannulation strategy and circuit configuration. This dynamic management, based around the adequacy of end organ perfusion and patient requirements, may dictateECMOconfiguration and cannulation changes. In these circumstances, adjunct of a cannula in the venous or arterial vasculature may represent a mandatory procedure to solve unfavorable hemodynamic status or enhanceECMOefficiency. These type ofECMOconfigurations, different from basic one, and called hybrid configurations, may represent, therefore, a critical aspect of optimalECMOmanagement towards optimized and successful temporary support.The aim of this review is to critically appraise and summarize the existing literature on adultECMOconfiguration including cannulation strategies and circuit arrangement, and highlighting more complex pattern required in some specific clinical settings.
A rationale for early extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with postinfarction ventricular septal rupture complicated by cardiogenic shock
Authors: Rob Daniel , Špunda Rudolf , Lindner Jaroslav , Rohn Vilém , Kunstýř Jan , Balík Martin , Rulíšek Jan , Kopecký Petr , Lipš Michal , Šmíd Ondřej , Kovárník Tomáš , Mlejnský František , Linhart Aleš , Bělohlávek Jan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimsVentricular septal rupture (VSR) became a rare mechanical complication of myocardial infarction in the era of percutaneous coronary interventions but is associated with extreme mortality in patients who present with cardiogenic shock (CS). Promising outcomes have been reported with the use of circulatory support allowing haemodynamic stabilization, followed by delayed repair. Therefore, we analysed our experience with an early use of Veno‐Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (V‐A ECMO) for postinfarction VSR.Methods and resultsWe conducted a retrospective search of institutional database for patients presenting with postinfarction VSR from January 2007 to June 2016. Data from 31 consecutive patients (mean age 69.5 ± 9.1 years) who were admitted to hospital were analysed. Seven out of 31 patients with VSR who were in refractory CS received V‐A ECMO support preoperatively. ECMO improved end‐organ perfusion with decreased lactate levels 24 hours after implantation (7.9 mmol/L vs. 1.6 mmol/L, p = 0.01), normalized arterial pH (7.25 vs. 7.40, p < 0.04), improved mean arterial pressure (64 mmHg vs. 83 mmHg, p < 0.01) and lowered heart rate (115/min vs. 68/min, p < 0.01). Mean duration of ECMO support was 12 days, 5 out of 7 patients underwent surgical repair, 4 were weaned from ECMO, 3 survived 30 days and 2 survived more than 1 year. The most frequent complication (5 patients) and the cause of death (3 patients) was bleeding.ConclusionsOur experience suggests that early V‐A ECMO in patients with VSR and refractory CS might prevent irreversible multiorgan failure by improved end‐organ perfusion. Bleeding complications remain an important limitation of this approach.
Isolated left ventricular failure is a predictor of poor outcome in patients receiving veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: den Uil Corstiaan A. , Jewbali Lucia S. , Heeren Martijn J. , Constantinescu Alina A. , Van Mieghem Nicolas M. , Reis Miranda Dinis dos 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTAimsWe investigated survival according to the nature of heart failure (isolated left, vs isolated right, vs biventricular heart failure) in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for refractory cardiogenic shock of different causes.Methods and resultsThis single‐center study included 132 patients with acute myocardial infarction (20%), acute on chronic heart failure (14%), post cardiotomy (17%), cardiac allograft failure (8%), pulmonary embolism (16%), and acute nonischemic heart failure (25%). Ventricular function was a priori assessed by transthoracic echocardiography (isolated left (26%), isolated right (22%), or biventricular heart failure (52%)). The primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality at 90 days and long‐term. Predictors for adverse outcome were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis.Median duration of ECMO support was 6 [3–9] days. Ninety‐day survival was 51% (isolated LV failure 32% vs. isolated RV failure 62% vs. biventricular failure 55%, p = 0.04). The presence of isolated left ventricular failure was a predictor for 90‐day mortality, irrespective of diagnosis and SAVE score. In patients who survived 90 days following ECMO implantation, long‐term (4‐year) survival was excellent (95%, no difference between subgroups).ConclusionIsolated left ventricular failure was an independent predictor for 90‐day outcome.
Boundary frame contribution in coupled and uncoupled steel plate shear walls
Authors: Wang Meng , Borello Daniel J. , Fahnestock Larry A. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryThe steel plate shear wall (SPSW) system is a robust option for earthquake resistance due to the strength, stiffness, ductility and energy dissipation that it provides. Although thin infill plates are efficient for resisting lateral loads, boundary frames that are proportioned based on capacity design requirements add significant structural weight that appears to be one of the factors limiting the use of the system in practice. An alternate configuration, the SPSW with coupling (SPSW‐WC), was explored recently as an option for increasing architectural flexibility while also improving overall system economy and seismic performance. The SPSW‐WC, which extensively employs flexural boundary frame contribution, has shown promise in analytical, numerical and experimental studies, but recent research on uncoupled SPSWs suggests that boundary frame contribution should not be considered for carrying seismic design shear. As a result, in the present study, boundary frame contribution in SPSWs was explored with detailed three‐dimensional finite element models, which were validated against large‐scale SPSW‐WC tests. Six‐story systems were considered, and the study matrix included single and double uncoupled SPSWs along with coupled SPSWs that had various degrees of coupling. Variations in design methodology were also explored. The modeling framework was employed to conduct static monotonic and cyclic pushover analyses and dynamic response history analysis. These analyses demonstrate the beneficial effect of coupling in SPSWs and illustrate the need to consider boundary frame contribution in design of coupled SPSWs. In addition, sharing design shear between the infill plate and the boundary frame is more generally shown to not be detrimental if this sharing is done in the design stage based on elastic analysis and the resulting boundary frame provides adequate secondary strength and stiffness following infill plate yielding. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The rapid mass calorimeter: A route to high throughput fire testing
Authors: Rabe Sebastian , Schartel Bernhard 
Published: May 2017

SummaryThe rapid mass calorimeter based on reduced‐size specimens is proposed for accelerated fire testing and put up for discussion, particularly for flame retarded polymeric materials. A mass loss calorimeter is combined with a semiautomatic sample changer. Experiments on specimens of reduced size were conducted on poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(propylene), polyamide 66, poly(ether ether ketone), and pine sapwood square samples with edge lengths of 100, 75, 50, 25, 20, and 10 mm. Specimens of 20 × 20 mm2 were selected to achieve a crucial reduction in specimen size and a measuring protocol developed. A total of 71 different polymeric materials were investigated in the rapid mass calorimeter and cone calorimeter for comparison and several materials with different heat release rate characteristics in the pyrolysis combustion flow calorimeter to test this additional screening method as well. The important fire properties obtained in the rapid mass calorimeter show reasonable correlation with the cone calorimeter results but also with the oxygen index. All in all, the rapid mass calorimeter produces reliable and meaningful results and, despite acceleration and size reduction, still allows for a certain degree of burning behavior interpretation. Material savings of 96% and time savings of around 60%‐70% are achieved compared to measure cone calorimeter.
A presumed antagonistic LPS identifies distinct functional organization of TLR4 in mouse microglia
Authors: Döring Christin , Regen Tommy , Gertig Ulla , van Rossum Denise , Winkler Anne , Saiepour Nasrin , Brück Wolfgang , Hanisch Uwe‐Karsten , Janova Hana 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMicroglia as principle innate immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS) are the first line of defense against invading pathogens. They are capable of sensing infections through diverse receptors, such as Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4). This receptor is best known for its ability to recognize bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a causative agent of gram‐negative sepsis and septic shock. A putative, naturally occurring antagonist of TLR4 derives from the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides. However, the antagonistic potential of R. sphaeroides LPS (Rs‐LPS) is no universal feature, since several studies suggested agonistic rather than antagonistic actions of this molecule depending on the investigated mammalian species. Here we show the agonistic versus antagonistic potential of Rs‐LPS in primary mouse microglia. We demonstrate that Rs‐LPS efficiently induces the release of cytokines and chemokines, which depends on TLR4, MyD88, and TRIF, but not CD14. Furthermore, Rs‐LPS is able to regulate the phagocytic capacity of microglia as agonist, while it antagonizes Re‐LPS‐induced MHC I expression. Finally, to our knowledge, we are the first to provide in vivo evidence for an agonistic potential of Rs‐LPS, as it efficiently triggers the recruitment of peripheral immune cells to the endotoxin‐challenged CNS. Together, our results argue for a versatile and complex organization of the microglial TLR4 system, which specifically translates exogenous signals into cellular functions. Importantly, as demonstrated here for microglia, the antagonistic potential of Rs‐LPS needs to be considered with caution, as reactions to Rs‐LPS not only differ by cell type, but even by function within one cell type.
Supercritical CO2 assisted process for the production of high‐purity and sterile nano‐hydroxyapatite/chitosan hybrid scaffolds
Authors: Ruphuy G. , Souto‐Lopes M. , Paiva D. , Costa P. , Rodrigues A. E. , Monteiro F. J. , Salgado C. L. , Fernandes M. H. , Lopes J. C. , Dias M. M. , Barreiro M. F. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHybrid scaffolds composed of hydroxyapatite (HAp), in particular in its nanometric form (n‐HAp), and chitosan (CS) are promising materials for non‐load‐bearing bone graft applications. The main constraints of their production concern the successful implementation of the final purification/neutralization and sterilization steps. Often, the used purification strategies can compromise scaffold structural features, and conventional sterilization techniques can result in material's thermal degradation and/or contamination with toxic residues. In this context, this work presents a process to produce n‐HAp/CS scaffolds mimicking bone composition and structure, where an innovative single step based on supercritical CO2 extraction was used for both purification and sterilization. A removal of 80% of the residual acetic acid was obtained (T = 75°C, p = 8.0 MPa, 2 extraction cycles of 2 h) giving rise to scaffolds exhibiting adequate interconnected porous structure, fast swelling and storage modulus compatible with non‐load‐bearing applications. Moreover, the obtained scaffolds showed cytocompatibility and osteoconductivity without further need of disinfection/sterilization procedures. Among the main advantages, the proposed process comprises only three steps (n‐HAp/CS dispersion preparation; freeze‐drying; and supercritical CO2 extraction), and the supercritical CO2 extraction show clear advantages over currently used procedures based on neutralization steps. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 965–975, 2018.