bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brazilin Inhibits Prostatic Acidic Phosphatase Fibrillogenesis and Decreases its Cytotoxicity
Authors: Li Ming , Dong Xiaoyan , Liu Yang , Sun Yan 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA 39‐amino acid peptide fragment that is derived from prostatic acidic phosphatase (PAP), PAP248–286, is secreted in large amounts in human semen and forms amyloid fibrils. These fibrils can capture HIV virions and increase the attachment of virions to target cells; as such, they are called a “semen‐derived enhancer of virus infection” (SEVI). Therefore, the inhibition of the formation of PAP248–286 amyloid fibrils is of great significance. Herein, we demonstrate that brazilin effectively inhibits PAP248–286 aggregation. The inhibitory effect increases with increasing brazilin concentration. Thioflavin T fluorescence assays and TEM observations confirmed that a few fibrils formed when brazilin was present with PAP248–286 in an equimolar concentration. Circular dichroism spectroscopy indicated that brazilin inhibited the secondary structural transitions from α‐helices and random coils into β‐sheets. Cytotoxicity assays showed that brazilin significantly decreased the cytotoxicity of the fibrils at 0.01 mmol L−1. Isothermal titration calorimetry revealed that hydrophobic interactions were the main driving force for the binding of brazilin to the PAP248–286 monomer (dissociation constant, 4.03 μmol L−1), and that the binding affinity of brazilin for the fibrils was at least three orders of magnitude lower than that for the monomer. These results indicate that brazilin holds great potential as a small‐molecule agent against SEVIs.
Studie zum aktuellen Nachhaltigkeitsverständnis von Facility‐Management‐Unternehmen
Authors: Čadež Ivan , Wapelhorst Vincent , Tiessen Annette 
Published: March 2017

AbstractNachhaltigkeit wird in der Bau‐ und Immobilienwirtschaft im Wesentlichen durch die Untersuchung der Nachhaltigkeit von Gebäuden bewertet. Für eine gesamtheitliche Nachhaltigkeitsbetrachtung sollte jedoch neben der Nachhaltigkeit des Gebäudes auch die Nachhaltigkeit der Prozesse und der damit verbundenen Beteiligten im Bau, bei der Planung und im Betrieb berücksichtigt werden [1–3].Bisher hat Nachhaltigkeit bei Facility‐Management‐Unternehmen (FM‐Unternehmen) wenig Bedeutung, auch wenn bereits erste Nachhaltigkeitszertifizierungen durchgeführt wurden. In einer deutschlandweiten Studie wurde das aktuelle Nachhaltigkeitsverständnis von FM‐Unternehmen untersucht; dabei wurden insbesondere die wesentlichen Gründe und Hemmnisse für eine Nachhaltigkeitszertifizierung erfragt.Die Ergebnisse der Studie belegen, dass Nachhaltigkeit für die FM‐Unternehmen von wesentlicher Bedeutung ist. Vor allem das Erkennen von Schwachstellen bei Prozessen und die Imageverbesserung der FM‐Unternehmen sind Gründe für eine Nachhaltigkeitszertifizierung. Dennoch führen die Unsicherheit über den Kosten‐ und Zeitaufwand sowie den wirtschaftlichen Nutzen dazu, dass sich FM‐Unternehmen aktuell noch nicht in großer Zahl zertifizieren lassen.Handlungsbedarf besteht vor allem bei der Kommunikation des wirtschaftlichen Nutzens sowie des Kosten‐ und Zeitbedarfs, der mit der Nachhaltigkeitszertifizierung verbunden ist. Darüber hinaus sollten bereits durchgeführte Zertifizierungen veröffentlicht werden.
The Enhancing Effect of Overconfidence on Subsequent Learning Performance: Potential Mediation Effects of Dissatisfaction and Effort
Authors: Bi Yanling , Liu Pei , Li Shu , Zhang Baoshan 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThree studies were conducted to investigate whether individuals whose performance on a learning task fell short of their previous overconfident self‐assessment would apply more effort on a subsequent task to resolve their dissatisfaction and thereby achieve better subsequent performance than individuals who made accurate or underconfident self‐assessments. Specifically, Study 1 and Study 2 used overestimation, and Study 3 used overplacement to predict subsequent performance by measuring students' self‐assessments before the first task, their level of dissatisfaction with their actual performance on that task, the effort they applied in learning, and their performance on the subsequent task. Furthermore, Study 3 divided the participants randomly into a false feedback group (the control group) and a real feedback group (the experimental group). The results showed that when controlling for prior performance, participants who were more overconfident tended to express greater dissatisfaction and increase more effort to achieve their desired outcomes when they perceived a gap between their desired performance and their actual performance. Notably, they achieved better subsequent performance, whereas those in the control group who were overconfident neither applied more effort in subsequent learning nor increased their subsequent performance when they received “unbiased feedback.” The implications of these findings for education are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI perfusion for differentiating between melanoma and lung cancer brain metastases
Authors: Hatzoglou Vaios , Tisnado Jamie , Mehta Alpesh , Peck Kyung K. , Daras Mariza , Omuro Antonio M. , Beal Kathryn , Holodny Andrei I. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBrain metastases originating from different primary sites overlap in appearance and are difficult to differentiate with conventional MRI. Dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE)‐MRI can assess tumor microvasculature and has demonstrated utility in characterizing primary brain tumors. Our aim was to evaluate the performance of plasma volume (Vp) and volume transfer coefficient (Ktrans) derived from DCE‐MRI in distinguishing between melanoma and nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) brain metastases. Forty‐seven NSCLC and 23 melanoma brain metastases were retrospectively assessed with DCE‐MRI. Regions of interest were manually drawn around the metastases to calculate Vpmean and . The Mann–Whitney U test and receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC) were performed to compare perfusion parameters between the two groups. The Vpmean of melanoma brain metastases (4.35, standard deviation [SD] = 1.31) was significantly higher (P = 0.03) than Vpmean of NSCLC brain metastases (2.27, SD = 0.96). The values were higher in melanoma brain metastases, but the difference between the two groups was not significant (P = 0.12). Based on ROC analysis, a cut‐off value of 3.02 for Vpmean (area under curve = 0.659 with SD = 0.074) distinguished between melanoma brain metastases and NSCLC brain metastases (P < 0.01) with 72% specificity. Our data show the DCE‐MRI parameter Vpmean can differentiate between melanoma and NSCLC brain metastases. The ability to noninvasively predict tumor histology of brain metastases in patients with multiple malignancies can have important clinical implications.
Hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalciuria, and recurrent tetany: Gitelman syndrome in a Chinese pedigree and literature review
Authors: Xia Ming‐Feng , Bian Hua , Liu Hong , Wu Hui‐Juan , Zhang Zhi‐Gang , Lu Zhi‐Qiang , Gao Xin 
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical MessageGitelman syndrome is an autosomal recessive disease mostly associated with loss‐of‐function mutations of the SLC12A3 gene and featured by clinical hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalciuria, and histologically hypertrophy of the juxtaglomerular apparatus. A novel homozygous mutation (p.Arg399Pro) at the extracellular domain of SLC12A3 was found and correlated with the severe clinical manifestations.
Persistent left superior vena cava in atrial septal defect sinus venosus type: diagnosis with saline contrast echocardiography—a case series
Authors: Rio Purwati Pole , Mumpuni Hasanah , Anggrahini Dyah Wulan , Dinarti Lucia Kris 
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical MessagePersistent Left Superior Vena Cava (PLSVC) should be suspected if we find dilatation of coronary sinus. Sophisticated imaging is not always available in each health care provider. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with agitated saline injections through the left and right antecubital veins provides a simple, and inexpensive, but effective study for a rapid bedside diagnosis of PSLVC.
Drug interaction between tacrolimus and nilotinib in a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia after renal transplant
Authors: Onaka Takashi , Takahashi Naoto , Miura Masatomo , Yonezawa Akihito 
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical MessageNilotinib, a BCR‐ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is a known inhibitor of CYP3A4 and could increase the concentration of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4. An immunosuppressive drug for nilotinib‐treated patients following transplant should be administered with careful pharmacokinetic monitoring because of its interaction with nilotinib.
Electrochemiluminescence of Water‐Soluble Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimers Conjugated with Multiple Ru(II) Tris(bipyridine) Moieties
Authors: Lee Hyein , Kim Joohoon 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIntense electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of water‐soluble dendritic conjugates, which are poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers conjugated with multiple Ru(II) tris(bipyridine) ([Ru(bpy)3]2+, where bpy=2,2’‐bipyridine) units on the periphery, is demonstrated in the absence of any additional co‐reactant. The ECL results were investigated by taking into account the co‐reactant effect of PAMAM dendrimers. The water‐soluble dendritic conjugates were synthesized by derivatizing amine‐terminated 4th‐generation PAMAM dendrimers (G4‐NH2) through covalent linkages with [Ru(bpy)3]2+‐N‐hydroxysuccinimide esters. Interestingly, the synthesized dendritic conjugates alone exhibit significantly enhanced oxidative‐reduction ECL, that is, an approximate nine‐fold increase compared to conventional ECL obtained from corresponding aqueous mixtures of free G4‐NH2 dendrimers and [Ru(bpy)3]2+ complexes.
Application of Fiber‐Optic Measurement Technology for Minimally‐Invasive Measurements of Temperature Profiles in Reactors
Authors: Stegehake Carolin , Grünewald Marcus 
Published: March 2017

AbstractDie Temperatur ist eine wichtige Messgröße in technischen Prozessen, da nahezu alle mechanischen, elektrischen, magnetischen und optischen Stoffeigenschaften sowie die Selektivität in chemischen Reaktoren temperaturabhängig sind. Die faseroptische Messtechnik ermöglicht eine gering‐invasive, gleichzeitige Temperaturerfassung an zahlreichen Messstellen entlang einer Sensorfaser und wird zur Aufnahme von Temperatur‐ und Dehnungsprofilen eingesetzt. In diesem Beitrag wird stellvertretend ihre Anwendung bei der heterogenen Gasphasenkatalyse in Festbettreaktoren diskutiert.
Influences on the Properties of Spray Polymerization Products
Authors: Franke Katharina , Moritz Hans‐Ulrich , Pauer Werner 
Published: March 2017

AbstractDie Sprühpolymerisation vereint Formgebung, Trocknung, chemische Reaktion und Zerkleinerung in einem einzelnen Prozessschritt und spart damit Prozesskosten und ‐zeit. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird der Einsatz eines Schwingblendensprühkopfes als Modellzerstäubungssystem in Abhängigkeit von der Zerstäuberluftmenge diskutiert und die resultierende Partikelgrößenentwicklung bestimmt. Für die Sprühpolymerisation von teilneutralisierter Acrylsäure werden der Einfluss von Neutralisationsgrad, Prozesstemperatur und Gaszusammensetzung auf Partikelmorphologie, Restfeuchte und Restmonomeranteil bestimmt.
Investigation of Hydrodynamics in Biogas Digesters with Oval Geometry by Instrumented Flow Followers
Authors: Reinecke Sebastian Felix , Jobst Karin , Hampel Uwe 
Published: March 2017

AbstractEs wurden instrumentierte strömungsfolgende Sensorpartikel mit magnetischer Positionsdetektion in einer Studie der Hydrodynamik von neuartigen, ovalen Biogasreaktoren im Labor‐ und Technikumsmaßstab eingesetzt. Die Sensorpartikel erfassen autonom die makroskopischen Strömungsvorgänge in den Reaktoren. Die gemessenen Daten der Sensorpartikel liefern vertikale Aufenthaltsprofile und Partikelumlaufzeitverteilungen. Anhand dieser Informationen werden die ovalen Reaktoren hinsichtlich der Durchmischung und der Suspensionseigenschaften bewertet und verglichen.
Logical Experimental Design and Execution in the Biomedical Sciences
Authors: Holder Daniel J. , Marino Michael J. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractLack of reproducibility has been highlighted as a significant problem in biomedical research. The present unit is devoted to describing ways to help ensure that research findings can be replicated by others, with a focus on the design and execution of laboratory experiments. Essential components for this include clearly defining the question being asked, using available information or information from pilot studies to aid in the design the experiment, and choosing manipulations under a logical framework based on Mill's “methods of knowing” to build confidence in putative causal links. Final experimental design requires systematic attention to detail, including the choice of controls, sample selection, blinding to avoid bias, and the use of power analysis to determine the sample size. Execution of the experiment is done with care to ensure that the independent variables are controlled and the measurements of the dependent variables are accurate. While there are always differences among laboratories with respect to technical expertise, equipment, and suppliers, execution of the steps itemized in this unit will ensure well‐designed and well‐executed experiments to answer any question in biomedical research. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Seven years of workplace drug testing in Italy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rosso Gian Luca , Montomoli Cristina , Morini Luca , Candura Stefano M. 
Published: March 2017

In Italy, Workplace Drug Testing (WDT) has been compulsory by law for specific categories of workers since 2008, offering the opportunity to compare studies conducted within a single regulatory framework. The aims of this paper are to estimate the overall prevalence of WDT positivity (at screening survey) among Italian workers and evaluate the percentage of true and false positives at confirmation analysis. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the scientific literature on WDT in Italy from January 2008 to March 2015 was carried out, according to the MOOSE guidelines. A random effects model was utilized to calculate pooled prevalence. Potential sources of heterogeneity were explored using sensitivity test and subgroup analysis. The overall meta‐analytical prevalence of positivity at WDT among Italian workers was 1.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1–1.7%]. It was significantly lower among workers screened with an on‐site test (1%; 95% CI = 0.5–1.5%), compared with a bench‐top test (1.7%; 95% CI = 1.3–2.1%). Nine studies provided data on false positives at the screening test, with a combined prevalence estimate ‐ calculated on positive cases – of 30% (95% CI = 16–44%). In Italy, the number of true positives at first‐level workplace drug testing is low, while the frequency of false positives is relatively high. A revision of the Italian legislation on the subject seems advisable. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lichen acclimation to changing environments: Photobiont switching vs. climate‐specific uniqueness in Psora decipiens
Authors: Williams Laura , Colesie Claudia , Ullmann Anna , Westberg Martin , Wedin Mats , Büdel Burkhard 
Published: March 2017

AbstractUnraveling the complex relationship between lichen fungal and algal partners has been crucial in understanding lichen dispersal capacity, evolutionary processes, and responses in the face of environmental change. However, lichen symbiosis remains enigmatic, including the ability of a single fungal partner to associate with various algal partners. Psora decipiens is a characteristic lichen of biological soil crusts (BSCs), across semi‐arid, temperate, and alpine biomes, which are particularly susceptible to habitat loss and climate change. The high levels of morphological variation found across the range of Psora decipiens may contribute to its ability to withstand environmental change. To investigate Psora decipiens acclimation potential, individuals were transplanted between four climatically distinct sites across a European latitudinal gradient for 2 years. The effect of treatment was investigated through a morphological examination using light and SEM microscopy; 26S rDNA and rbcL gene analysis assessed site‐specific relationships and lichen acclimation through photobiont switching. Initial analysis revealed that many samples had lost their algal layers. Although new growth was often determined, the algae were frequently found to have died without evidence of a new photobiont being incorporated into the thallus. Mycobiont analysis investigated diversity and determined that new growth was a part of the transplant, thus, revealing that four distinct fungal clades, closely linked to site, exist. Additionally, P. decipiens was found to associate with the green algal genus Myrmecia, with only two genetically distinct clades between the four sites. Our investigation has suggested that P. decipiens cannot acclimate to the substantial climatic variability across its environmental range. Additionally, the different geographical areas are home to genetically distinct and unique populations. The variation found within the genotypic and morpho‐physiological traits of P. decipiens appears to have a climatic determinant, but this is not always reflected by the algal partner. Although photobiont switching occurs on an evolutionary scale, there is little evidence to suggest an active environmentally induced response. These results suggest that this species, and therefore, other lichen species, and BSC ecosystems themselves may be significantly vulnerable to climate change and habitat loss.
Modeling activity patterns of wildlife using time‐series analysis
Authors: Zhang Jindong , Hull Vanessa , Ouyang Zhiyun , He Liang , Connor Thomas , Yang Hongbo , Huang Jinyan , Zhou Shiqiang , Zhang Zejun , Zhou Caiquan , Zhang Hemin , Liu Jianguo 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe study of wildlife activity patterns is an effective approach to understanding fundamental ecological and evolutionary processes. However, traditional statistical approaches used to conduct quantitative analysis have thus far had limited success in revealing underlying mechanisms driving activity patterns. Here, we combine wavelet analysis, a type of frequency‐based time‐series analysis, with high‐resolution activity data from accelerometers embedded in GPS collars to explore the effects of internal states (e.g., pregnancy) and external factors (e.g., seasonal dynamics of resources and weather) on activity patterns of the endangered giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Giant pandas exhibited higher frequency cycles during the winter when resources (e.g., water and forage) were relatively poor, as well as during spring, which includes the giant panda's mating season. During the summer and autumn when resources were abundant, pandas exhibited a regular activity pattern with activity peaks every 24 hr. A pregnant individual showed distinct differences in her activity pattern from other giant pandas for several months following parturition. These results indicate that animals adjust activity cycles to adapt to seasonal variation of the resources and unique physiological periods. Wavelet coherency analysis also verified the synchronization of giant panda activity level with air temperature and solar radiation at the 24‐hr band. Our study also shows that wavelet analysis is an effective tool for analyzing high‐resolution activity pattern data and its relationship to internal and external states, an approach that has the potential to inform wildlife conservation and management across species.
Environmental watering for vegetation diversity outcomes must account for local canopy conditions
Authors: Capon Samantha J. , Balcombe Stephen R. , McBroom James 
Published: March 2017

AbstractHydrology is widely considered to be the dominant driver of understorey vegetation dynamics in arid and semiarid riparian ecosystems. Consequently, environmental watering is often a key approach to restoring and promoting riparian vegetation diversity. Few studies however have considered the role of local factors, for example, shading or litter accumulation, on vegetation responses to flow and how these may influence the outcomes of watering actions. Knowledge concerning modifying effects of local canopy factors on vegetation responses to watering is needed to guide environmental water planning (e.g., setting objectives and targets) and delivery (e.g., timing and duration of managed flows). We conducted a greenhouse experiment to investigate the effects of shade and litter, and their interaction, on plant communities establishing from riparian soil seed banks, collected from the northern Murray–Darling Basin, under a range of hydrological conditions. We found that shade had a positive influence on the abundance, diversity, and reproduction of establishing plant communities under dry conditions but a negative, or null effect, under wet conditions. Litter exerted strong negative effects on plant community metrics under all hydrological conditions. Some understorey species emerged as hardy generalists capable of establishment under a range of conditions whereas others had more specific requirements. Our results highlight the importance of canopy structure for riparian understorey vegetation diversity and dynamics at both local and landscape scales. Land and water management practices seeking to protect or restore vegetation diversity in these systems must therefore take such local factors into account when planning and evaluating interventions.
Effect of eplerenone in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: potential effect modification by abdominal obesity. Insight from theEMPHASIS‐HFtrial
Authors: Olivier Arnaud , Pitt Bertram , Girerd Nicolas , Lamiral Zohra , Machu Jean‐Loup , McMurray John J.V. , Swedberg Karl , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Collier Timothy J. , Pocock Stuart J. , Rossignol Patrick , Zannad Faiez , Pizard Anne 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimsAn excessive production of aldosterone influences outcome in patients with heart failure (HF) and in obese patients. Findings from laboratory studies suggest that chronic aldosterone blockade maybe more beneficial in abdominally obeseHF‐prone rats. In the current study, we investigated if the clinical response to a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist in mildly symptomaticHFpatients varied by abdominal obesity.Methods and resultsA total of 2587NYHAclassII, reduced ejection fractionHF(HFrEF) patients enrolled in theEMPHASIS‐HFtrial were randomly assigned to eplerenone and placebo. In thispost hocanalysis, patients were categorized according to waist circumference (WC) (normal ifWC< 102 cm in men and < 88 cm in women; abdominal obesity ifWC≥ 102 cm in men and ≥ 88 cm women). The potential statistical interaction between the treatment andWCwas assessed on the primary endpoint of death from cardiovascular causes or hospitalization forHFand other secondary endpoints. Over a median follow‐up of 21 months, a significant benefit of eplerenone for the primary outcome was noted in both normal [hazard ratio (HR) 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61–0.98,P= 0.03] and increased (HR0.48, 95%CI0.37–0.63,P< 0.0001)WCsubgroups, but the latter patients appeared to receive greater benefit than patients with normalWC(Pfor interaction = 0.01). This suggests a significant quantitative (treatment effect varies in magnitude by subgroup, but is always in same direction) rather than a qualitative interaction (direction of the treatment effect varies by subgroup) between eplerenone andWCin the adjusted analysis. Mean doses of eplerenone, blood pressure and serum potassium changes and adverse events were similar betweenWCsubgroups.ConclusionInEMPHASIS‐HF, eplerenone improved outcomes inHFrEFpatients with and without abdominal obesity, although the benefit appeared to be more pronounced among those with abdominal obesity. The findings are potentially hypothesis generating and need to be replicated in otherHFrEFpopulations.