bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen or formate: Alternative key players in methanogenic degradation
Authors: Schink Bernhard , Montag Dominik , Keller Anja , Müller Nicolai 
Published: February 2017

SummaryHydrogen and formate are important electron carriers in methanogenic degradation in anoxic environments such as sediments, sewage sludge digestors and biogas reactors. Especially in the terminal steps of methanogenesis, they determine the energy budgets of secondary (syntrophically) fermenting bacteria and their methanogenic partners. The literature provides considerable data on hydrogen pool sizes in such habitats, but little data exist for formate concentrations due to technical difficulties in formate determination at low concentration. Recent evidence from biochemical and molecular biological studies indicates that several secondary fermenters can use both hydrogen and formate for electron release, and may do so even simultaneously. Numerous strictly anaerobic bacteria contain enzymes which equilibrate hydrogen and formate pools to energetically equal values, and recent measurements in sewage digestors and biogas reactors indicate that – beyond occasional fluctuations ‐ the pool sizes of hydrogen and formate are indeed energetically nearly equivalent. Nonetheless, a thermophilic archaeon from a submarine hydrothermal vent, Thermococcus onnurineus, can obtain ATP from the conversion of formate to hydrogen plus bicarbonate at 80°C, indicating that at least in this extreme environment the pools of formate and hydrogen are likely to be sufficiently different to support such an unusual type of energy conservation.
Emergency Department–initiated Home Oxygen for Bronchiolitis: A Prospective Study of Community Follow‐up, Caregiver Satisfaction, and Outcomes
Authors: Freeman Julia Fuzak , Deakyne Sara , Bajaj Lalit 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectiveRetrospective studies have shown home oxygen to be a safe alternative to hospitalization for some patients with bronchiolitis living at high altitudes. We aimed to prospectively describe adverse events, follow‐up, duration of home oxygen, factors associated with failure, and caregiver preferences.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study of hypoxemic bronchiolitis patients ages 3 to 18 months who were discharged from a tertiary care pediatric emergency department on home oxygen over three winters (2011–2014). Caregivers were contacted on postdischarge days ~3, 7, 14, and 28 while on oxygen. Caregivers not reached by phone were sent a survey and their primary care physicians were contacted. Records of admitted subjects were reviewed. Outcome measures included hospital readmission, positive pressure ventilation (noninvasive or intubation), outpatient follow‐up, duration of home oxygen therapy, and caregiver satisfaction.ResultsA total of 274 patients were enrolled. Forty‐eight (17.5%) were admitted and 225 (82.1%) were discharged on oxygen. The median age was 8 months. Eighteen subjects were lost to follow‐up. A total of 196 (87.1%) were successfully treated with outpatient oxygen, and 11 (4.9%) failed outpatient therapy and were hospitalized. Only one hospitalized patient required invasive ventilation. The median duration of home oxygen was 7 days. Child noncompliance was the most common problem (reported by 14%). The median caregiver comfort level with home oxygen was 9 of 10. Eighty‐eight percent of caregivers would again choose home oxygen over admission.ConclusionsThis study confirms that outpatient oxygen therapy can reduce hospitalizations due to bronchiolitis in a relatively high‐altitude setting, with low failure and complication rates. Caregivers are comfortable with home oxygen and prefer it to hospitalization.
Doing it hard in the bush: Aligning what gets measured with what matters
Authors: McDonald Malcolm I. , Lawson Kenny D. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWhat gets measured gets managed. Funding of health services is substantially determined by operational activity and specific outcome indicators. In day‐to‐day clinical decision‐making, surrogate markers, such as glycosylated haemoglobin and blood pressure, are commonly used to modify risks of ‘hard’ outcomes that include kidney failure, ischaemic cardiac events, stroke and all‐cause mortality. In many settings, surrogates are all we have to go on. As a consequence, current health funding models heavily rely on surrogate‐based key performance indicators [KPIs]. While surrogates are convenient and provide immediate information, there is an obligation to ensure that they are appropriate, reliable and validated in context. In contrast, hard outcomes, the real consequences of illness, are usually realised over an extended timeframe. Additionally, and for a host of reasons, hard endpoints have the greatest social, emotional and economic impact for people at the far end of the health system; those in rural and remote settings – ‘in the bush’ – especially Indigenous Australians. We propose a health service assessment approach that aligns short‐term decision‐making with patient‐centred and longer term hard outcomes, one that takes into account community, cultural and environmental factors, especially remoteness. Communities should have a major say in determining what health indicators are measured and managed.
Growth inhibition of formed corneal neovascularization following Fosaprepitant treatment
Authors: Bignami Fabio , Lorusso Anna , Rama Paolo , Ferrari Giulio 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to test the efficacy of Neurokinin‐1 Receptor (NK‐1R) antagonist −Fosaprepitant− in inducing regression of established corneal neovascularization (CNV).MethodsTwenty C57BL/6 mice underwent alkali burn. Seven days later, when corneal neovessels had developed, they received Fosaprepitant 10 mg/ml, administered topically six times a day in the right eye for 10 days. In parallel, a group of 20 causticated mice was treated with normal saline, as control. A second independent experiment was also performed (n = 10/group). Finally, ten healthy mice received the same topical treatment for 10 days to evaluate Fosaprepitant safety. Haemangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis were measured by means of vesselj plugin (imagej). Secondary endpoints, such as leucocyte infiltration, corneal opacity and corneal fluorescein staining were also evaluated. Inflammatory cell composition was assessed by flow cytometry.Differences between groups were assessed using unpaired t‐test, Mann–Whitney U‐test or two‐way anova, as appropriate.ResultsTopical Fosaprepitant administration induced a significant reduction of (i) CD31+ blood corneal neovessels (−27%, p = 0.0132), (ii) LYVE1+ lymphatic corneal neovessels (−31%, p = 0.0118) and (iii) CD45+ leucocyte infiltration (−36%; p = 0.0237). The second independent experiment confirmed these data. Moreover, Fosaprepitant‐treated corneas showed a reduction in opacity, no impairment in corneal fluorescein staining and decreased infiltration of neutrophils (−72%, p < 0.05) and macrophages (−75%, p < 0.01). Finally, topical Fosaprepitant was not toxic to the ocular surface: no signs of conjunctivitis, opacity, perforations or corneal fluorescein staining were detected. Similarly, corneal TUJ1+ nerve density was not affected.ConclusionsOur data suggest that NK‐1R antagonists, such as Fosaprepitant, could be a new, promising therapeutic tool to inhibit CNV after this has been established.
Assessment of the outcome of ophthalmological screening for uveitis in a cohort of Swedish children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Papadopoulou Maria , Zetterberg Madeleine , Oskarsdottir Solveig , Andersson Grönlund Marita 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPurposeTo describe clinical features, risk factors and complications in a cohort of Swedish children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) screened for uveitis between 2002 and 2011.MethodsMedical records of 299 children with JIA (93 male, 206 female; median age 5.0 years at diagnosis) were retrospectively scrutinized focusing on subtype of JIA, onset of arthritis/uveitis, presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and ophthalmological status.ResultsUveitis was found in 32 (11%) children, 78% bilaterally affected. The median age of arthritis onset in children who developed uveitis was 2.5 years (range 1–10) versus 5.0 years (range 1–15) in those who did not. Sex ratio was 3.5:1 (girl:boy). The most prevalent JIA subtype was oligoarthritis (75%). All but one child with uveitis was found to be ANA (+). The median interval between diagnosis of arthritis and uveitis was 12 months. Only one child developed uveitis between the fourth and fifth years after arthritis onset. Ocular complications were recorded in 45.6% (26/57 affected eyes) at last follow‐up. On univariate analysis, both young age at arthritis onset and ANA positivity were possible predictors for developing uveitis, but on multivariate analysis, the latter was the most important predictor (HR 16.25, 95%; CI 2.19–120.44; p = 0.006, Cox regression analysis).ConclusionAlmost all of the children developing JIA‐associated uveitis did so within 4 years after arthritis onset, a fact that accentuates the importance of early initiation of ophthalmological screening and more frequent regular follow‐ups during the first 4 years. The most important predictor for developing uveitis was ANA positivity.
Mechanistics and photo‐energetics of macrocycles and photodynamic therapy: An overview of aspects to consider for research
Authors: Horne Tamarisk K. , Cronjé Marianne J. 
Published: February 2017

Research within the field of photodynamic therapy has escalated over the past 20 years. The required conjunctional use of photosensitizers, particularly of the macrocycle structure, has lead to a vast repertoire of derivatives that branch classes and subclasses thereof. Each exhibits a differential range of physiochemical properties that influence their potential applications within the larger phototherapy field for use in either diagnostics, photodynamic therapy, both or none. Herein, we provide an overview of these properties as they relate to photodynamic therapy and to a lesser extent diagnostics. By summarizing the mechanistics of photodynamic therapy coupled to the photo‐energetics displayed by macrocycle photosensitizers, we aimed to highlight the critical aspects any researcher should be aware of and consider when selecting and performing research for therapeutic application purposes. These include photosensitizer, photophysical and structural properties, synthesis design and subsequent attributes, main applications within research, common shortcomings exhibited and the current methods practiced to overcome them.
Immunohistochemical analysis of laminin components in the blood–nerve barrier and blood–brain barrier
Authors: Takeshita Yukio , Omoto Masatoshi , Fujikawa Susumu , Kanda Takashi 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe blood–brain barrier (BBB) and blood–nerve barrier (BNB) play crucial roles in the maintenance of the central and peripheral nervous system. It had previously been thought that the BNB was leaky compared with the BBB, but several recent reports showed that the BNB has almost the same properties as a barrier system as the BBB, suggesting that the specific structural component of the basement membrane (especially laminin) in the BNB acts as a distinct barrier. Although the role of the laminin isoforms has been linked to BBB, the laminins in the BNB still remain unknown. Here, we aim to show the laminin components in the BNB and BBB.MethodsThe laminin isoforms (α5, α4, β1, β2 and γ1) were immunohistochemically analyzed in the brain and a median nerve specimen of a post‐mortem amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient. Then the expression of these laminin isoforms was scrutinized in sural nerve specimens of some peripheral neuropathies.ResultsThe present histological data showed that laminin α4 was hardly present in BNB compared with BBB, whereas other laminin isoforms were widely expressed in BBB and BNB. Additionally, laminin α4 in BNB decreased in both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and the peripheral neuropathies in which the BNB was supposed to be broken down.ConclusionsLaminin α4 did not decrease in BBB, but did decrease in BNB in the patients with or without peripheral neuropathies. As previous reports showed that laminin α4 is essential for T lymphocytes to migrate across the BBB, these results suggested that BNB might have a distinct mechanism for T cell migration that does not require laminin α4.
The Intensive and Extensive Margins of China's Agricultural Trade
Authors: Zhang Xiaoheng , Zhou Yingheng , Geng Xianhui , Tian Xu 
Published: February 2017

Utilizing the 1995–2013 Harmonized System's six‐digit agricultural product data for China, this study measures the dual margin contribution to export growth in China's agricultural products. Results show that contribution from the intensive margin has reached and been staying at a high level since 2007, providing new insight in explaining the deteriorating terms of trade in China's agricultural products. In light of this, an empirical analysis of the determinants of dual margins indicates that larger trading partners lead to less growth in exports of both new and existing products. Destination countries with higher labor productivities and lower fixed trade costs are China's target markets to convert intensive‐margin‐driven growth into extensive‐margin‐driven growth. In addition, the impact of relative labor productivity and free trade agreements on the intensive margin differs between primary and processed products due to their product characteristics.Au moyen des données à six chiffres du produit agricole pour la Chine provenant du Système harmonisé de 1995–2013, cette étude mesure la double marge de contribution à la croissance, des exportations des produits agricoles chinois. Les résultats démontrent que la contribution provenant de la marge intensive a atteint et demeure élevée depuis 2007, fournissant de nouvelles explications aux termes de l′échange des produits agricoles chinois. Étant donné ces informations, une analyse empirique des déterminants des doubles marges indique que les grands partenaires commerciaux mènent à moins de croissance dans les exportations à la fois de produits nouveaux et existants. La Chine choisit comme cibles les pays de destination avec une productivité élevée de la main‐d'œuvre et de faibles coûts fixes de commerce pour convertir la croissance stimulée par les marges intensives en croissance stimulée par les marges extensives. Qui plus est, l'impact de la productivité relative de la main‐d'œuvre et des accords de libre‐échange sur les marges intensives diffère des produits primaires aux produits transformés en raison des caractéristiques du produit.
Impact of continuous positive airway pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea during drug‐induced sleep endoscopy
Authors: Torre C. , Liu S.Y. , Kushida C.A. , Nekhendzy V. , Huon L.K. , Capasso R. 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesThe primary objective of the study was to understand the differential impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on the location, degree and pattern of airway collapse in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients utilizing drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE).Study designNon‐randomized trial.SettingUniversity Medical Center.ParticipantsFifteen consecutive OSA patients undergoing DISE.Main outcomes and measuresThe patterns of airway collapse were videorecorded at baseline and under differential application of nasal CPAP (nCPAP) at 5, 10 and 15 cm H2O. For each modality, the pattern and degree of airway collapse were analyzed by three independent observers using the velum, oropharynx, tongue base, epiglottis (VOTE) classification system.ResultsThe modest nCPAP pressures (10 cm H2O) had the greatest impact on the lateral walls of the pharynx, followed by the palatal region. The collapsibility of the tongue base and epiglottis demonstrated significant resistance to nCPAP application, which was overcome by increasing nCPAP to 15 cm H2O. Compared to 5 cm H2O, nCPAP pressures of 10 and 15 cm H2O improved complete collapse at least at one level of the upper airway (P=.016 and .001, respectively). Increased nCPAP pressures also led to changes in the configuration of airway collapse at the level of the velum.ConclusionsThe differential nCPAP effects observed in this study may help to understand some of the mechanisms responsible for inadequate patient response and poor nCPAP compliance. The use of DISE in combination with CPAP may serve as a first step in optimizing patients that failed to adapt to treatment with CPAP. This approach can help the physician identify patterns of airway collapse that may require varying pressures different from the one the patient is using, as well as anatomical factors that may be corrected to help with compliance.
Label Ranking Forests
Authors: de Sá Cláudio Rebelo , Soares Carlos , Knobbe Arno , Cortez Paulo 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe problem of Label Ranking is receiving increasing attention from several research communities. The algorithms that have been developed/adapted to treat rankings of a fixed set of labels as the target object, including several different types of decision trees (DT). One DT‐based algorithm, which has been very successful in other tasks but which has not been adapted for label ranking is the Random Forests (RF) algorithm. RFs are an ensemble learning method that combines different trees obtained using different randomization techniques. In this work, we propose an ensemble of decision trees for Label Ranking, based on Random Forests, which we refer to as Label Ranking Forests (LRF). Two different algorithms that learn DT for label ranking are used to obtain the trees. We then compare and discuss the results of LRF with standalone decision tree approaches. The results indicate that the method is highly competitive.
The polar warhead of a TRIM24 bromodomain inhibitor rearranges a water‐mediated interaction network
Authors: Liu Jiuyang , Li Fudong , Bao Hongyu , Jiang Yiyang , Zhang Shuya , Ma Rongsheng , Gao Jia , Wu Jihui , Ruan Ke 
Published: February 2017

Tripartite motif‐containing protein 24 (TRIM24) is closely correlated with multiple cancers, and a recent study demonstrated that the bromodomain of TRIM24 is essential for the proliferation of lethal castration‐resistant prostate cancer. Here, we identify three new inhibitors of the TRIM24 bromodomain using NMR fragment‐based screening. The crystal structures of two new inhibitors in complex with the TRIM24 bromodomain reveal that the water‐bridged interaction network is conserved in the same fashion as those for known benzoimidazolone inhibitors. Interestingly, the polar substitution on the warhead of one new inhibitor pulls the whole ligand approximately 2 Å into the inner side pocket of the TRIM24 bromodomain, and thus exhibits a binding mode significantly different from other known bromodomain ligands. This mode provides a useful handle for further hit‐to‐lead evolution toward novel inhibitors of the TRIM24 bromodomain.DatabaseStructural data are available in the PDB under the accession numbers 5H1T, 5H1U, and 5H1V.
The Notional Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and the German ‘Point System’: A Comparison
Authors: Gurtovaya Vera , Nisticò Sergio 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis paper examines the analytical properties of the German ‘points-based’ pension system. These properties are compared with those of a canonical Notional Defined Contribution (NDC) pension scheme. The paper identifies the circumstances under which the German ‘points-based’ system would mimic a Swedish-type NDC scheme and verifies to what extent the German ‘points-based’ scheme ensures uniformity of individual rates of return for some hypothetical careers. Finally, the paper proposes a set of new possible adjustment rules able to increase similarity between the German point system and the NDC scheme.
Changes in Projected Spatial and Seasonal Groundwater Recharge in the Upper Colorado River Basin
Authors: Tillman Fred D , Gangopadhyay Subhrendu , Pruitt Tom 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe Colorado River is an important source of water in the western United States, supplying the needs of more than 38 million people in the United States and Mexico. Groundwater discharge to streams has been shown to be a critical component of streamflow in the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB), particularly during low‐flow periods. Understanding impacts on groundwater in the basin from projected climate change will assist water managers in the region in planning for potential changes in the river and groundwater system. A previous study on changes in basin‐wide groundwater recharge in the UCRB under projected climate change found substantial increases in temperature, moderate increases in precipitation, and mostly periods of stable or slight increases in simulated groundwater recharge through 2099. This study quantifies projected spatial and seasonal changes in groundwater recharge within the UCRB from recent historical (1950 to 2015) through future (2016 to 2099) time periods, using a distributed‐parameter groundwater recharge model with downscaled climate data from 97 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) climate projections. Simulation results indicate that projected increases in basin‐wide recharge of up to 15% are not distributed uniformly within the basin or throughout the year. Northernmost subregions within the UCRB are projected an increase in groundwater recharge, while recharge in other mainly southern subregions will decline. Seasonal changes in recharge also are projected within the UCRB, with decreases of 50% or more in summer months and increases of 50% or more in winter months for all subregions, and increases of 10% or more in spring months for many subregions.
Preliminary evaluation of altered brain microstructure in the emotion–cognition region in children with haemophilia A: a diffusional kurtosis imaging study
Authors: Hu D. , Kang H. , Lv Y. , Zhang N. , Tang L. , Zhang J. , Shi K. , Wu R. , Peng Y. 
Published: February 2017

AimUsing diffusional kurtosis imaging (DKI) to assess the impact of emotional disorders on microstructural changes of the brain in children with haemophilia A.Materials and MethodsDiffusional kurtosis imaging was acquired from haemophilia A (n = 22) and controls (n = 22) using a 3T scanner. A regression analysis of frontal, cingulate, hippocampus, insula and amygdala regions of interest (ROIs) was conducted. Clinical data and results of psychological tests were collected. A paired t‐test was used to analyse the differences between the two groups’ ROIs, and the Spearman test was used to analyse the correlation between ROIs and psychological tests or clinical data.ResultsFractional anisotropy (FA) in the left middle cingulate and right hippocampus; mean diffusion (MD) in the frontal lobe, right anterior cingulate and right middle cingulate showed varying degrees of increase in the ROI compared to controls (P < 0.003). MD in the frontal lobe and the course of disease (P < 0.05), FA in the right hippocampus and the social score of the self‐consciousness scale (P < 0.01) had a positive correlation.ConclusionOur study is the first to evaluate the relationship between emotion disorders and cognitive changes in the microstructure of the brain in children with haemophilia A, suggesting that DKI provides more information about tissue microstructural changes than do the conventional image method and traditional psychological tests.