bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Periodontal ligament‐like tissue regeneration with drilled porous decalcified dentin matrix sheet composite
Authors: Feng G , Wu Y , Yu Y , Huang L , An S , Hu B , Luo J , Song J 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveIn this study, we constructed a composite by combining the human dental follicle cell sheet and a manual drilled porous decalcified dentin matrix that was used to construct ectopic tissue‐engineered periodontal ligament‐like tissues in renal capsules of nude mice.Materials and methodsHuman dental follicle cells were harvested from human lower third molars and then embedded into a temperature‐sensitive culture dish. These cells were then placed into frozen porous decalcified dentin matrix sheets and induced by 50 g/ml ascorbic acid. This established a “sandwich structure” in vitro implant that was placed in nude mice under the renal capsule. The mice were sacrificed at 4 and 8 weeks after implantation, and the implants were assessed after haematoxylin–eosin staining, Masson staining and immunohistochemical staining.ResultsThe experimental group showed a fibre structure between the dentin and HA‐TCP after 4 weeks. After 8 weeks, the collagen fibres increased, and the direction was perpendicular to the dentin. Immunohistochemistry showed positive staining in the osteopontin and periostin.ConclusionThe composite can induce ectopic bone and fibre formation, and the fibre had a certain directionality. Besides, the composite can maintain the stability of the periodontal ligament width.
Identification of genic SSRs in jute (Corchorus capsularis, Malvaceae) and development of markers for phenylpropanoid biosynthesis genes and regulatory genes
Authors: Satya Pratik , Chakraborty Avrajit , Jana Sourav , Majumdar Snehalata , Karan Maya , Sarkar Debabrata , Datta Subhojit , Mitra Jiban , Kar Chandan S. , Karmakar Pran Gobinda , Singh Nagendra K. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn jute (Corchorus spp.), phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway is associated with lignocellulosic bast fibre development and production of various phytochemicals. Development of phenylpropanoid‐related genic markers is thus a key component of gene‐specific precision molecular breeding in jute. We identified a total of 12,772 SSRs in 10,041 unigenes and designed genic SSR markers associated with phenylpropanoid biosynthesis from bast transcriptome of Corchorus capsularis cv. ‘JRC‐212’. A total of 39 and 14 SSR markers were developed from key genes of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and bast fibre formation, respectively. Further, we developed 457 SSR markers associated with different regulatory gene sequences. Of these, 137 markers were for transcription factors such as WRKY, MYB, MYB‐related, bHLH and zinc finger, which are key regulators and/or modulators of the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids. Additionally, 600 SSR primer pairs were also designed for other unigenes containing SSR. Diversity analysis based on a set of 41 genic SSR markers in 35 genotypes revealed high polymorphism. The genic SSRs described here are expected to be useful for molecular breeding targeting fibre quality, phytochemical‐related and stress tolerance traits in jute.
Direct uptake of HCO3− in the marine angiosperm Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile driven by a plasma membrane H+ economy
Authors: Rubio Lourdes , García Delia , García‐Sánchez María J. , Niell F. Xavier , Felle Hubert H. , Fernández José A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSeagrasses access HCO3− for photosynthesis by 2 mechanisms, apoplastic carbonic anhydrase‐mediated dehydration of HCO3− to CO2 and direct HCO3− uptake. Here, we have studied plasma membrane energization and the mechanism for HCO3− import in Posidonia oceanica. Classical electrophysiology and ion‐selective microelectrodes were used to measure the membrane potential, cytosolic pH, and the cytosolic concentrations of Na+ and Cl− upon the addition of HCO3−. The photosynthetic response to HCO3− and to inhibitors was also measured. Results indicate that the primary pump of P. oceanica plasma membrane is a fusicoccin‐sensitive H+‐ATPase. Bicarbonate depolarizes the plasma membrane voltage and transiently acidifies the cytosol, indicating that HCO3− is transported into the cells by an H+‐symport. Initial cytosolic acidification is followed by an alkalinization, suggesting an internal dehydration of HCO3−. The lack of cytosolic Na+ and Cl− responses rules out the contribution of these ions to HCO3− transport. The energetics of nH+/HCO3− symport allows, for n = 1, an estimate of cytosolic accumulation of 0.22 mM HCO3−. Because this transporter could permit accumulation of HCO3− up to 100 times above the equilibrium concentration, it would be a significant component of a carbon‐concentrating mechanism in this species.
Secreted products of Fasciola hepatica inhibit the induction of T cell responses that mediate allergy
Authors: Finlay C. M. , Stefanska A. M. , Coleman M. M. , Jahns H. , Cassidy J. P. , McLoughlin R. M. , Mills K. H. G. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryThere is evidence from epidemiology studies of a negative association between infection with helminth parasites and the development of allergy and asthma. Here, we demonstrate that the excretory/secretory products of the helminth Fasciola hepatica (FHES) protected mice against ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced allergic asthma when administered at time of allergen sensitization. FHES reduced the accumulation of mucus, eosinophils and lymphocytes into the airways of allergen‐challenged mice. Furthermore, FHES treatment suppressed Th2 responses in the airways. Interestingly, systemic administration of FHES at allergen challenge had no effect on airway inflammation, demonstrating that alum‐induced Th2 response is set following initial allergen sensitization. Our findings highlight the immunomodulatory potential of molecules secreted by F. hepatica.
Inflammation and fertility in the mare
Authors: Christoffersen M , Troedsson MHT 
Published: August 2017

ContentsA transient uterine inflammation post‐breeding is a normal physiological reaction in the mare, and it is believed that the inflammatory response is necessary to eliminate bacteria and excess spermatozoa introduced into the uterine lumen. A tight balance between multiple pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory factors is required for resolving the breeding‐induced inflammation within 24–36 hr in the reproductively healthy mare, whereas a subpopulation of mares is susceptible to development of a persistent infection that can interfere with fertility. The aetiology of persistent endometritis can be either bacterial or semen‐induced and both scenarios can threaten the establishment of pregnancy. Several factors associated with susceptibility to persistent endometritis have been identified including altered innate immune response in the early inflammatory process, reduced myometrial contractions and impaired opsonization; however, the pathogenesis to susceptibility has not been fully elucidated. Current research focuses on the initial hours of uterine inflammatory responses to semen and bacteria, and potential treatments to modify this altered innate immune response. An increased understanding of the mechanisms involved in the disease progression is necessary to improve the treatment and management of these mares. This review attempts to summarize the current knowledge of the uterine inflammatory and immunological responses to breeding‐induced endometritis, persistent breeding‐induced endometritis (PBIE) and bacterial endometritis in the mare.
Flow cytometry in Spermatology: A bright future ahead
Authors: Ortega‐Ferrusola C , Gil MC , Rodríguez‐Martínez H , Anel L , Peña FJ , Martín‐Muñoz P 
Published: August 2017

ContentsTechniques such as mass spectrometry have led to unprecedented knowledge of the proteins that are present in the spermatozoa of humans and other mammals. However, in spite of their high‐throughput and fractioning techniques, most of the techniques in use only offer average values for the entire sperm population. Yet, ejaculate is very heterogeneous, and average values may mask relevant biological information.The application of flow cytometry may overcome this disadvantage, allowing proteomic analysis at the single‐cell level. Moreover, recent advances in cytometry, allowing multiple analyses within a single cell combined with powerful statistical tools, as an expanding subfield in spermatology, are described. The increased use of advanced flow cytometers in andrology laboratories will allow the rapid development of multiparametric, multicolour flow cytometry in andrology that will expand the clinical applications and research possibilities of flow cytometry‐based proteomic approaches, especially in the subfields of clinical andrology and sperm biotechnology.
What drives the localization of Spanish multinationals in developing and transition countries?
Authors: Alguacil Maite , Martí Josep , Orts Vicente 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the location determinants of Spanish multinational firms in developing and transition economies. We pay particular attention to the role played by market potential and agglomeration economies as decisive factors in location. We also analyze whether, beyond the observed attributes, there are any significant differences across regions in terms of attracting foreign affiliates. With this aim, we estimate a mixed logit model, which allows us to endogenously consider the existence of complex substitution patterns among different destinations. Our results confirm that Spanish investment in developing and transition countries depends on market potential and agglomeration externalities. The intensity of these externalities, however, depends on the nationality of competitors, greater rivalry being observed among Spanish‐owned affiliates. Furthermore, our findings show that the location of multinational firms responds both to factors related to the local business environment, including the cost and quality of labor and infrastructures, and to the existence of specific regional effects.
Export tightening, competition, and firm innovation: Evidence from the renminbi appreciation
Authors: Dai Mi , Yu Miaojie , Zhao Chunming 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis paper investigates how firm innovation reacts to changes in competitive pressure in the export market. We use the exchange rate appreciation of the renminbi during 2005–2007 as a natural experiment and exploit its differential impact on Chinese manufacturing firms with different export exposure. The appreciation reduced exports and imposed greater competitive pressure on exporters relative to non‐exporters. In response, exporters increased innovation activities more than non‐exporters. Using a difference‐in‐difference approach, we find that the research and development expenditure of exporters increased by 11% more than that of non‐exporters during the appreciation period, and the new product development of exporters increased by nearly 1.5 times more than that of non‐exporters. These results highlight the important role of competition in providing incentives for firm innovation.
The Role of Scientific Excellence in the Changing Meaning of Maize in Mexico
Authors: Castro Colina Libertad , Montpetit Éric 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMaking policy is giving a meaning to objects. This perspective on policy making gained importance in the 1990s with the emergence of discursive approaches. In this article, we use the concepts of Hajer's discourse coalition approach to shed light on the evolving meaning of maize in Mexican society. Specifically, we trace a parallel between the evolution of biotechnology policy and discourses on maize over a 25‐year period. The article argues that until recently, the protection against biotechnological manipulations enjoyed by maize has been bolstered by a discourse granting the plant a special status in the country's history. However, the emergence of a new discourse grounded on the practice of scientific excellence is now challenging the old perspectives, and also finding support among government officials. As a result, the Mexican policies granting maize special protection is changing, and this policy change will likely trigger changes in the symbolic meaning of maize.
Urinary tract infections caused by ESBL‐producing Enterobacteriaceae in renal transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Alevizakos Michail , Nasioudis Dimitrios , Mylonakis Eleftherios 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common infectious complications among renal transplant recipients (RTR). UTIs caused by extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL‐PE) have been associated with inferior clinical outcomes and increased financial burden.MethodsWe performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis by searching through the PubMed and EMBASE databases (to May 20, 2016) and identifying studies that reported data on the number of RTR who developed an ESBL‐PE UTI.ResultsOur analysis included seven studies, out of 357 non‐duplicate articles, that provided data on 2824 patients. Among them, 10% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4%‐17%) developed an ESBL‐PE UTI over their follow‐up periods. The proportion of RTR affected by an ESBL‐PE UTI was 2% in North America (95% CI 1%‐3%), 5% in Europe (95% CI 4%‐6%), 17% in South America (95% CI 10%‐27%), and 33% in Asia (95% CI 27%‐41%). In addition, patients affected with an ESBL‐PE UTI were 2.75‐times (95% CI 1.97‐3.83) more likely to suffer a recurrent UTI.ConclusionsBased on a limited number of studies, one in 10 RTR will develop a UTI caused by an ESBL‐PE, and these patients face an almost 3 times greater risk of recurrence. A more rigorous monitoring of RTR, both during and after resolution of their infection, should be evaluated in order to reduce the incidence and the clinical impact of these resistant infections.
Effect of positive perioperative donor and recipient respiratory bacterial cultures on early post‐transplant outcomes in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Howell Crystal K. , Paciullo Christopher A. , Lyon G. Marshall , Neujahr David , Lyu Peter , Cotsonis George , Hurtik Michael 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundIt is standard practice to administer prophylactic antibiotics post lung transplantation. However, no studies have evaluated the impact of culture positivity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate early post‐transplant outcomes of culture‐positive and culture‐negative lung transplant (LT) recipients and the appropriateness of the empiric regimens used.MethodsAdult patients who received an LT at Emory University Hospital between January 1, 2010 and August 31, 2015 were reviewed and stratified into three groups: (i) culture‐positive appropriate empiric treatment, (ii) culture‐positive inappropriate empiric treatment, and (iii) culture‐negative. Antibiotics were defined as appropriate if bacteria were sensitive to the empiric regimen. The primary endpoint was 30‐day mortality. Secondary endpoints included hospital length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, percent neutrophil count in a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) sample, presence of airway ischemia, and appropriateness of the empiric antibiotic regimen.ResultsNine, zero, and four patients died within 30 days in the culture‐positive appropriate (n = 113), culture‐positive inappropriate (n = 5), and culture‐negative groups (n = 29) (P = .564) respectively. The median hospital LOS was 19, 16, and 15 days respectively. Median ICU LOS was 6, 5, and 7 respectively. The respective percent neutrophil counts in the BAL fluid were 79, 83, and 65. The presence of airway ischemia was only documented in eight patients, all in the culture‐positive appropriate group.ConclusionWe did not identify an association between antibiotic appropriateness and 30‐day mortality, hospital LOS, or ICU LOS in post‐LT recipients.
Multidrug‐resistant Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus: Three major threats to hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Satlin Michael J. , Walsh Thomas J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractHematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients are uniquely threatened by the emergence of multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacteria because these patients rely on immediate active antimicrobial therapy to combat bacterial infections. This review describes the epidemiology and treatment considerations for three challenging MDR bacterial pathogens in HSCT recipients: MDR Enterobacteriaceae, including extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing and carbapenem‐resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus (VRE). These bacteria are common causes of infection in this population and bacteremias caused by these organisms are associated with high mortality rates. Carbapenems remain the treatments of choice for serious infections due to ESBL‐producing Enterobacteriaceae in HSCT recipients. Administration of β‐lactam agents as an extended infusion is associated with improved outcomes in patients with severe infections caused by P. aeruginosa. Older agents used for the treatment of CRE and MDR P. aeruginosa infections, such as polymyxins and aminoglycosides, have major limitations. Newer agents, such as ceftazidime‐avibactam and ceftolozane‐tazobactam have great potential for the treatment of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapemenase‐producing CRE and MDR P. aeruginosa, respectively, but more pre‐clinical and clinical data are needed to better evaluate their efficacy. Daptomycin dosages ≥8 mg/kg/day are recommended to treat VRE infections in this population, particularly in the setting of increasing daptomycin resistance. Strategies to prevent these infections include strict adherence to recommended infection control practices and multidisciplinary antimicrobial stewardship. Last, gastrointestinal screening to guide empirical therapy and the use of polymerase chain reaction‐based rapid diagnostics may decrease the time to administration of appropriate therapy for these infections, thereby leading to improved outcomes.
Gas-Dynamics Design of Reversible Turbine for Marine Gas Turbine Engine
Authors: Niu Xiying , Lin Feng , Li Weishun , Liang Chen , Yu Shunwang , Xu Bo 
Published: August 2017

Gas turbine engines are widely used as the marine main power system. However, they can’t reverse like diesel engine. If the reversal is realized, other ways must be adopted, for example, controllable pitch propeller (CPP) and reversible gearing.
Although CPP has widespread use, the actuator installation inside the hub of the propeller lead to the decrease in efficiency, and it takes one minute to switch “full speed ahead” to “full speed astern”. In addition, some devices need to be added for the reversible gearing, and it takes five minutes to switch from “full speed ahead” “to “full speed astern”.
Based on the gas turbine engine itself, a reversible gas turbine engine is proposed, which can rotate positively or reversely. Most important of all, reversible gas turbine engine can realize operating states of “full speed ahead”, “full speed astern“ and “stop propeller”. And, it just takes half of one minute to switch “full speed ahead” to “full speed astern”.
Since reversible gas turbine engines have compensating advantages, and especially in recent years computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology and turbine gas-dynamics design level develop rapidly, reversible gas turbine engines will be a good direction for ship astern.
In this paper, the power turbine of a marine gas turbine engine was redesigned by three dimensional shape modification, and the flow field is analyzed using CFD, in order to redesign into a reverse turbine. The last stage vanes and blades of this power turbine were changed to double-layer structure. That is, the outer one is reversible turbine, while the inner is the ahead one. Note that their rotational directions are opposite. In order to realize switching between rotation ahead and rotation astern, switching devices were designed, which locate in the duct between the low pressure turbine and power turbine. Moreover, In order to reduce the blade windage loss caused by the reversible turbine during working ahead, baffle plates were used before and after the reversible rotor blades.
This paper mainly studied how to increase the efficiency of the reversible turbine stage, the torque change under different operating conditions, rotational speed and rotational directions, and flow field under typical operating conditions. A perfect profile is expected to provide for reversible power turbine, and it can decrease the blade windage loss, and increase the efficiency of the whole gas turbine engine. Overall, the efficiency of the newly designed reversible turbine is up to 85.7%, and the output power is more than 10 MW, which can meet requirements of no less than 30% power of rated condition. Most importantly, the shaft is not over torque under all ahead and astern conditions. Detailed results about these are presented and discussed in the paper.
Semi-Closed Recuperated Cycle With Wet Compression
Authors: Wettstein Hans E. 
Published: August 2017

The semi-closed recuperated cycle (SCRC) has been suggested earlier by the author in several versions. The best of them used two compressors with one intercooling stage each. In this paper the intercooled main compressor has been replaced by a compressor with high fogging and no intercooling anymore. It is assumed that the system and the main compressor have its design points in the middle of the intended fogging water injection range. This turns out to allow another thermal efficiency gain by 2 to 3 percent points to clearly above 60% also combined with increased specific power related to the consumed combustion air and with no bottoming cycle.
This paper demonstrates the technical feasibility based on Turbomachinery technologies, which have already proven commercial viability. The thermodynamic assumptions have been derived from existing gas turbine (GT) technology and are used within already confirmed operating ranges. With the same firing temperature also the thermal efficiency level of current Combined Cycles (GTCC) can be achieved.
A special feature of the SCRC is the opportunity for inventory control of part load operation. This means that part load operation can be made by pressure reduction instead of temperature reduction as in open gas turbines. Thermal transients leading to hot part life consumption can therefore be avoided to a large extent and the combustor can operate at nearly constant temperature also at low part load with corresponding low emissions. Low part load operation achieves the same efficiency as base load. The result is more flexibility than in current GTCC technology associated with less complexity due to the needlessness of an extra bottoming cycle.
Realizing this type of cycle aiming at its best efficiency potential however needs the development capability of a highly skilled gas turbine manufacturer. But it could also be developed for a lower efficiency range by using existing components with conservative data. The SCRC concept could also be aimed at combined heat and power applications or at naval propulsion by replacing CODOG’s.
Due to its specific features the SCRC in general or with wet compression could be developed in the micro turbine power output size as well as up to above 1000MW single block size. Its inherent water condensation at elevated pressure makes an external source of make-up water obsolete.