bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
4‐Aminopyridine: a pan voltage‐gated potassium channel inhibitor that enhances Kv7.4 currents and inhibits noradrenaline‐mediated contraction of rat mesenteric small arteries
Authors: Khammy Makhala M , Kim Sukhan , Bentzen Bo H , Lee Soojung , Choi Inyeong , Aalkjær Christian , Jepps Thomas A 
Published: November 2017

Background and PurposeKv7.4 and Kv7.5 channels are regulators of vascular tone. 4‐Aminopyridine (4‐AP) is considered a broad inhibitor of voltage‐gated potassium (KV) channels, with little inhibitory effect on Kv7 family members at mmol concentrations. However, the effect of 4‐AP on Kv7 channels has not been systematically studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacological activity of 4‐AP on Kv7.4 and Kv7.5 channels and characterize the effect of 4‐AP on rat resistance arteries.Experimental ApproachVoltage clamp experiments were performed on Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with cRNA encoding KCNQ4 or KCNQ5, HEK cells expressing Kv7.4 channels and on rat, freshly isolated mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells. The effect of 4‐AP on tension, membrane potential, intracellular calcium and pH was assessed in rat mesenteric artery segments.Key Results4‐AP increased the Kv7.4‐mediated current in oocytes and HEK cells but did not affect Kv7.5 current. 4‐AP also enhanced native mesenteric artery myocyte K+ current at sub‐mmol concentrations. When applied to NA‐preconstricted mesenteric artery segments, 4‐AP hyperpolarized the membrane, decreased [Ca2+]i and caused concentration‐dependent relaxations that were independent of 4‐AP‐mediated changes in intracellular pH. Application of the Kv7 channel blocker XE991 and BKCa channel blocker iberiotoxin attenuated 4‐AP‐mediated relaxation. 4‐AP also inhibited the NA‐mediated signal transduction to elicit a relaxation.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese data show that 4‐AP is able to relax NA‐preconstricted rat mesenteric arteries by enhancing the activity of Kv7.4 and BKCa channels and attenuating NA‐mediated signalling.
Skin care products can aggravate epidermal function: studies in a murine model suggest a pathogenic role in sensitive skin
Authors: Li Zhengxiao , Hu Lizhi , Elias Peter M. , Man Mao‐Qiang 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBackgroundSensitive skin is defined as a spectrum of unpleasant sensations in response to a variety of stimuli. However, only some skin care products provoke cutaneous symptoms in individuals with sensitive skin. Hence, it would be useful to identify products that could provoke cutaneous symptoms in individuals with sensitive skin.ObjectiveTo assess whether vehicles, as well as certain branded skin care products, can alter epidermal function following topical applications to normal mouse skin.MethodsFollowing topical applications of individual vehicle or skin care product to C57BL/6J mice twice daily for 4 days, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) rates, stratum corneum (SC) hydration and skin surface pH were measured on treated versus untreated mouse skin with an MPA5 device and pH 900 pH meter.ResultsOur results show that all tested products induced abnormalities in epidermal functions of varying severity, including elevations in TEWL and skin surface pH, and reduced SC hydration.ConclusionsOur results suggest that mice can serve as a predictive model that could be used to evaluate the potential safety of skin care products in humans with sensitive skin.
Classification of consumer products under the EU CLP Regulation: what to consider when caring for contact dermatitis patients
Authors: Elsner Peter 
Published: November 2017

SummaryPossibly hazardous chemical substances and mixtures need to be clearly and correctly classified and labelled, in order for their hazards to be properly identified and communicated. As dermatologists may encounter cases of harm to patients induced by chemicals, such as chemical burns, and irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, it is essential for them to be aware of the EU CLP Regulation and its potential pitfalls. Manufacturers are required by CLP to classify their products according to the rules given in the CLP Regulation. The enforcement duty lies with the Member States and their competent authorities. Dangerous non‐food consumer products have to be reported to the European Commission to be entered into the Rapid Alert System for Dangerous Non‐food Products (RAPEX) notifications. The sheer complexity of the CLP Regulation and lack of awareness of its ramifications by companies, competent authorities, consumer associations and the public at large may prevent efficient enforcement actions. When dermatologists become aware of inappropriately labelled chemicals, they should inform the competent authorities.
Improved infrared small target detection and tracking method based on new intelligence particle filter
Authors: Chen Zhimin , Tian Mengchu , Bo Yuming , Ling Xiaodong 
Published: November 2017

AbstractTrack‐before‐detect algorithm based on the particle filter algorithm has the problems of low tracking precision, poor particles, and requiring a large amount of particles to be calculated in a low signal‐to‐noise ratio, which is difficult to meet the accuracy and speed required by the modern infrared search and tracking system. In this paper, an improved infrared small target detection and tracking method based on a new particle filter is proposed. This is where particles are used to represent an individual bat to imitate the hunting process of bats. By adjusting loudness, frequency, and impulse emissivity of a particle swarm, the optimal particle at that time is followed to search in the solution space. In addition, the global search and the local search can also be dynamically switched to improve the quality and distribution of the particle swarm. The performance of the proposed algorithm is tested in a simulation scene and the real scene of the infrared small target detection and tracking. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm improves the performance of the infrared searching and tracking system.
Effect of graft size matching on pediatric living‐donor liver transplantation at a single center
Authors: Li Jun‐Jie , Zu Cai‐Hua , Li Shi‐Peng , Gao Wei , Shen Zhong‐Yang , Cai Jin‐Zhen 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe retrospectively analyzed 252 patients with end‐stage liver disease who had undergone LDLT from January 2009 to September 2015. Of these, 25 had a GRWR of <2.0% (Group A), 204 had a GRWR of ≥2.0% or <4.0% (Group B), and 23 had a GRWR ≥4.0% (Group C). The three GRWR groups demonstrated similar characteristics, except for recipient age and recipient BMI. The overall 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year graft survival rates were 95.1%, 93.5%, and 93.5%, respectively. However, among the three groups, graft survival rates at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were significantly different (P = .0009). Hepatic artery stenosis/thrombosis was more frequently observed in Group C than in Groups A and B (P = .001). Wound infection was also more frequently observed in Group C than in Group A and B (P = .002). However, intestinal fistula/bile leakage/biliary‐enteric anastomotic fistula was more frequently observed in Group A than in Groups B and C (P = .001). In addition, reoperation more frequently occurred in Group A and C than in Group B (P = .001). Recipients with a GRWR between 2.0% and 4.0% had significantly better graft survival rates.
Intrathecal baclofen in dyskinetic cerebral palsy: effects on function and activity
Authors: Eek Meta N , Olsson Kristina , Lindh Karin , Askljung Berit , Påhlman Magnus , Corneliusson Olle , Himmelmann Kate 
Published: November 2017

AimTo investigate the effect of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) on function and activity in dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP).MethodA retrospective cohort study of records from 25 children (15 males, 10 females; mean age 10y 11mo, SD 4y 9mo). Five were classified in Gross Motor Function Classification level IV and 20 in level V. Parents were interviewed about activities in daily life, sitting, communication, pain, sleep, and gross and fine motor function. Differences before and 1 year after ITB were graded as positive, no change, or negative. Assessments of dystonia (using the Barry–Albright Dystonia Scale) and muscle tone (Ashworth Scale) were made. Joint range of motion (ROM) was measured.ResultsBoth dystonia and increased muscle tone, present in all participants before ITB, decreased after (p<0.001). Passive ROM was restricted, with no difference after. Parents reported improvements in activities in daily life (p<0.001), sitting (p<0.001), communication (p<0.001), and fine motor function (p=0.013), but no change in gross motor function. Before ITB, pain and disturbed sleep were reported. There was a reduction in pain (p=0.002) and sleep improved (p=0.004) after ITB.InterpretationAfter ITB in individuals with dyskinetic CP, improvements were found in sitting, communication, and fine motor skills. There was a reduction in dystonia and muscle tone, and pain and sleep improved.What this paper adds

Intrathecal baclofen can affect specific aspects of functioning in dyskinetic cerebral palsy.

Sitting, communication, and fine motor function improved.

Dystonia and spasticity were reduced.

Pain was reduced and sleep improved.
Homeobox protein MSX‐1 inhibits expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2, bone morphogenetic protein 4, and lymphoid enhancer‐binding factor 1 via Wnt/β‐catenin signaling to prevent differentiation of dental mesenchymal cells during the late bell stage
Authors: Feng Xiao‐Yu , Wu Xiao‐Shan , Wang Jin‐Song , Zhang Chun‐Mei , Wang Song‐Lin 
Published: November 2017

Homeobox protein MSX‐1 (hereafter referred to as MSX‐1) is essential for early tooth‐germ development. Tooth‐germ development is arrested at bud stage in Msx1 knockout mice, which prompted us to study the functions of MSX‐1 beyond this stage. Here, we investigated the roles of MSX‐1 during late bell stage. Mesenchymal cells of the mandibular first molar were isolated from mice at embryonic day (E)17.5 and cultured in vitro. We determined the expression levels of β‐catenin, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Bmp2), Bmp4, and lymphoid enhancer‐binding factor 1 (Lef1) after knockdown or overexpression of Msx1. Our findings suggest that knockdown of Msx1 promoted expression of Bmp2, Bmp4, and Lef1, resulting in elevated differentiation of odontoblasts, which was rescued by blocking the expression of these genes. In contrast, overexpression of Msx1 decreased the expression of Bmp2, Bmp4, and Lef1, leading to a reduction in odontoblast differentiation. The regulation of Bmp2, Bmp4, and Lef1 by Msx1 was mediated by the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. Additionally, knockdown of Msx1 impaired cell proliferation and slowed S‐phase progression, while overexpression of Msx1 also impaired cell proliferation and prolonged G1‐phase progression. We therefore conclude that MSX‐1 maintains cell proliferation by regulating transition of cells from G1‐phase to S‐phase and prevents odontoblast differentiation by inhibiting expression of Bmp2, Bmp4, and Lef1 at the late bell stage via the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway.
Evolution and molecular mechanism of four‐electron reducing ferredoxin‐dependent bilin reductases from oceanic phages
Authors: Ledermann Benjamin , Schwan Meike , Sommerkamp Johannes A. , Hofmann Eckhard , Béjà Oded , Frankenberg‐Dinkel Nicole 
Published: November 2017

Ferredoxin‐dependent bilin reductases (FDBRs) are a class of enzymes reducing the heme metabolite biliverdin IXα (BV) to form open‐chain tetrapyrroles used for light‐perception and light‐harvesting in photosynthetic organisms. Thus far, seven FDBR families have been identified, each catalysing a distinct reaction and either transferring two or four electrons from ferredoxin onto the substrate. The newest addition to the family is PcyX, originally identified from metagenomics data derived from phage. Phylogenetically, PcyA is the closest relative catalysing the reduction of BV to phycocyanobilin. PcyX, however, converts the same substrate to phycoerythrobilin, resembling the reaction catalysed by cyanophage PebS. Within this study, we aimed at understanding the evolution of catalytic activities within FDBRs using PcyX as an example. Additional members of the PcyX clade and a remote member of the PcyA family were investigated to gain insights into catalysis. Biochemical data in combination with the PcyX crystal structure revealed that a conserved aspartate‐histidine pair is critical for activity. Interestingly, the same residues are part of a catalytic Asp‐His‐Glu triad in PcyA, including an additional Glu. While this Glu residue is replaced by Asp in PcyX, it is not involved in catalysis. Substitution back to a Glu failed to convert PcyX to a PcyA. Therefore, the change in regiospecificity is not only caused by individual catalytic amino acid residues. Rather the combination of the architecture of the active site with the positioning of the substrate triggers specific proton transfer yielding the individual phycobilin products.EnzymesSuggested EC number for PcyX: 1.3.7.6DatabasesThe PcyX X‐ray structure was deposited in the PDB with the accession code 5OWG.
Spatial scaling of extinction rates: Theory and data reveal nonlinearity and a major upscaling and downscaling challenge
Authors: Keil Petr , Pereira Henrique M. , Cabral Juliano S. , Chase Jonathan M. , May Felix , Martins Inês S. , Winter Marten 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimBiodiversity loss is a key component of biodiversity change and can impact ecosystem services. However, estimation of the loss has focused mostly on per‐species extinction rates measured over a limited number of spatial scales, with little theory linking small‐scale extirpations to global extinctions. Here, we provide such a link by introducing the relationship between area and the number of extinctions (number of extinctions–area relationship; NxAR) and between area and the proportion of extinct species (proportion of extinctions–area relationship; PxAR). Unlike static patterns, such as the species–area relationship, NxAR and PxAR represent spatial scaling of a dynamic process. We show theoretical and empirical forms of these relationships and we discuss their role in perception and estimation of the current extinction crisis.LocationU.S.A., Europe, Czech Republic and Barro Colorado Island (Panama).Time period1500–2009.Major taxa studiedVascular plants, birds, butterflies and trees.MethodsWe derived the expected forms of NxAR and PxAR from several theoretical frameworks, including the theory of island biogeography, neutral models and species–area relationships. We constructed NxAR and PxAR from five empirical datasets collected over a range of spatial and temporal scales.ResultsAlthough increasing PxAR is theoretically possible, empirical data generally support a decreasing PxAR; the proportion of extinct species decreases with area. In contrast, both theory and data revealed complex relationships between numbers of extinctions and area (NxAR), including nonlinear, unimodal and U‐shaped relationships, depending on region, taxon and temporal scale.Main conclusionsThe wealth of forms of NxAR and PxAR explains why biodiversity change appears scale dependent. Furthermore, the complex scale dependence of NxAR and PxAR means that global extinctions indicate little about local extirpations, and vice versa. Hence, effort should be made to understand and report extinction rates as a scale‐dependent problem. In this effort, estimation of scaling relationships such as NxAR and PxAR should be central.
Exploiting genetic and physiological variation of the native forage grass Trichloris crinita for revegetation in arid and semi‐arid regions: An integrative review
Authors: Kozub P. C. , Cavagnaro J. B. , Cavagnaro P. F. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn arid, semi‐arid and dry subhumid regions, which represent ~ 41% of the Earth's land surface, desertification and soil degradation are very frequent, leading to low soil fertility and productivity. In these regions, revegetation with locally adapted native species may aid in ameliorating desertification processes. Trichloris crinita is a C4 perennial grass native to arid and semi‐arid regions of the American continent. Its good forage quality, drought tolerance, resistance to trampling and grazing, and rapid growth and competing aggressiveness among other native species warrant its use as forage and for revegetation purposes. In the last decades, many studies have revealed broad intraspecific genetic variation for ecophysiological, morphological, biomass production, nutritional quality (as forage) and adaptive stress response‐related traits. Also, results from field trials evaluating T. crinita genotypes as forage and for restoration of degraded areas suggest great potential for—and have encouraged—its utilization under different habitats and environmental conditions. In this integrative review, we compiled and discussed the most relevant research data regarding T. crinita, focusing on aspects and traits that influence its utilization both as forage and in rehabilitation of degraded lands. Challenges and prospects towards the improvement of this species in breeding programmes with specific goals are discussed.
Novel gene fusion of PRCC–MITF defines a new member of MiT family translocation renal cell carcinoma: clinicopathological analysis and detection of the gene fusion by RNA sequencing and FISH
Authors: Xia Qiu‐Yuan , Wang Xiao‐Tong , Ye Sheng‐Bing , Wang Xuan , Li Rui , Shi Shan‐Shan , Fang Ru , Zhang Ru‐Song , Ma Heng‐Hui , Lu Zhen‐Feng , Shen Qin , Bao Wei , Zhou Xiao‐Jun , Rao Qiu 
Published: November 2017

AimsMITF, TFE3, TFEB and TFEC belong to the same microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor family (MiT). Two transcription factors in this family have been identified in two unusual types of renal cell carcinoma (RCC): Xp11 translocation RCC harbouring TFE3 gene fusions and t(6;11) RCC harbouring a MALAT1–TFEB gene fusion. The 2016 World Health Organisation classification of renal neoplasia grouped these two neoplasms together under the category of MiT family translocation RCC. RCCs associated with the other two MiT family members, MITF and TFEC, have rarely been reported. Herein, we identify a case of MITF translocation RCC with the novel PRCC–MITF gene fusion by RNA sequencing.Methods and resultsHistological examination of the present tumour showed typical features of MiT family translocation RCCs, overlapping with Xp11 translocation RCC and t(6;11) RCC. However, this tumour showed negative results in TFE3 and TFEB immunochemistry and split fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation (FISH) assays. The other MiT family members, MITF and TFEC, were tested further immunochemically and also showed negative results. RNA sequencing and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of a PRCC–MITF gene fusion: a fusion of PRCC exon 5 to MITF exon 4. We then developed FISH assays covering MITF break‐apart probes and PRCC–MITF fusion probes to detect the MITF gene rearrangement.ConclusionsThis study both proves the recurring existence of MITF translocation RCC and expands the genotype spectrum of MiT family translocation RCCs.
Changes in habitat suitability influence non‐breeding distribution of waterbirds in central Europe
Authors: Musilová Zuzana , Musil Petr , Zouhar Jan , Adam Matyáš 
Published: November 2017

Waterbird species have different requirements with respect to their non‐breeding areas, aiming to survive and gain condition during the non‐breeding period. Selection of non‐breeding areas could change over time and space driven by climate change and species habitat requirements. To help explain the mechanism shaping non‐breeding area selection, we provide site‐specific analyses of distributional changes in wintering waterbirds in central Europe, located at the centre of their flyways. We use wintering waterbirds as a highly dynamic model group monitored over a long‐time scale of 50 years (1966–2015). We identified species habitat requirements and changes in habitat use at the level of 733 individual non‐breeding (specifically wintering) sites for 12 waterbird species using citizen‐science monitoring data. We calculated site‐specific mean numbers and estimated site‐specific trends in numbers. The site‐specific approach revealed a general effect of mean winter temperature of site (seven of 12 species), wetland type (all species) and land cover (all species) on site‐specific numbers. We found increasing site‐specific trends in numbers in the northern and/or eastern part of the study area (Mute Swan Cygnus olor, Eurasian Teal Anas crecca, Common Pochard Aythya ferina, Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo and Eurasian Coot Fulica atra). Common Merganser Mergus merganser, Great Cormorant, Grey Heron Ardea cinerea, Common Pochard, Eurasian Coot and Common Moorhen Galinulla chloropus increased their site‐specific numbers on standing industrial waters with traditionally low fish stock. The site‐specific dynamics of bird numbers helped us to identify general preference for sites reducing winter harshness (warmer areas, running waters and more wetlands in the site vicinity), as well as indicating climate‐driven changes in spatial use of wintering sites (northern/north‐eastern range changes and changes in preference for industrial waters). This fine‐scale (site‐specific) approach can reveal large‐scale range and distribution shifts driven by climate and environmental changes regardless of the availability of large‐scale datasets.
Spying with spins on messy materials: 60 Years of glass structure elucidation byNMRspectroscopy
Authors: Eckert Hellmut 
Published: November 2017

AbstractGlasses remain a focus of attraction to fundamental researchers and materials engineers alike. The desire of controlling physical property combinations by compositional design inspires the search for fundamental structural concepts describing the short‐ and medium‐range order of the glassy state. From its early beginnings more than 60 years ago, solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been making significant contributions toward this objective. Beingelement‐selective,inherentlyquantitativeas well asselective to the local environment,NMRin many ways presents an ideal experimental tool of structural investigation of glasses. Over the years, substantialNMRmethods development, along with advances in the theoretical interpretation ofNMRparameters, have significantly enhanced our fundamental knowledge of medium‐range order and of composition‐structure‐function relationships. As we are approaching the 60th anniversary of the publication of the first article dealing with this topic (A.H. Silver and P.J. Bray, The Journal of Chemical Physics 1958, 29, 984), it is time to look back at the amazing scientific trajectory this field of investigation has taken, from the early beginnings to the present state of the art. As such, this overview does not strive to be comprehensive, but adopts a personal perspective, highlighting what in the view of the author have been influential developments and important insights obtained during the various phases of scientific inquiry in this research field.