bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between chemerin, omentin-1 and risk of heart failure in the population-based EPIC-Potsdam study
Authors: Menzel Juliane , di Giuseppe Romina , Biemann Ronald , Wittenbecher Clemens , Aleksandrova Krasimira , Eichelmann Fabian , Fritsche Andreas , Schulze Matthias B. , Boeing Heiner , Isermann Berend , Weikert Cornelia 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe adipokines chemerin and omentin-1 have been suggested to influence cardiovascular function. The study aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between chemerin, omentin-1 concentrations and risk of incident heart failure (HF), respectively. We conducted a case-cohort study nested within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Potsdam cohort (n = 27548) including a randomly drawn subsample and all incident HF cases during a mean follow-up of 8.2 ± 1.5 years. A total of 212 incident HF cases and 2168 individuals free of HF cases were included in the study. After multivariable adjustment for established cardiovascular risk factors chemerin was strongly associated with risk of HF (HR per doubling chemerin: 4.91; 95%-CI: 2.57–9.39; p < 0.0001). Omentin-1 was not significantly related to HF risk in the overall study population. However, the association between omentin-1 and HF risk was modified by prevalent coronary heart disease (CHD), showing that the shape of the association was linear in participants without prevalent CHD (HR doubling omentin-1: 2.11; 95%-CI: 1.36–3.27; p linear = 0.0009) and U-shaped in participants with pre-existing CHD (p non-linear = 0.006). Our study provides first evidence for a strong positive association between chemerin and risk of HF. The association between the adipokine omentin-1 and risk of HF may differ according to pre-existing CHD.
Sulforaphane reactivates cellular antioxidant defense by inducing Nrf2/ARE/Prdx6 activity during aging and oxidative stress
Authors: Kubo Eri , Chhunchha Bhavana , Singh Prerna , Sasaki Hiroshi , Singh Dhirendra P. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractUpon oxidative stress and aging, Nrf2 (NFE2-related factor2) triggers antioxidant defense genes to defends against homeostatic failure. Using human(h) or rat(r) lens epithelial cells (LECs) and aging human lenses, we showed that a progressive increase in oxidative load during aging was linked to a decline in Prdx6 expression. DNA binding experiments using gel-shift and ChIP assays demonstrated a progressive reduction in Nrf2/ARE binding (−357/−349) of Prdx6 promoter. The promoter (−918) with ARE showed a marked reduction in young vs aged hLECs, which was directly correlated to decreased Nrf2/ARE binding. A Nrf2 activator, Sulforaphane (SFN), augmented Prdx6, catalase and GSTπ expression in dose-dependent fashion, and halted Nrf2 dysregulation of these antioxidants. SFN reinforced Nrf2/DNA binding and increased promoter activities by enhancing expression and facilitating Nrf2 translocalization in nucleus. Conversely, promoter mutated at ARE site did not respond to SFN, validating the SFN-mediated restoration of Nrf2/ARE signaling. Furthermore, SFN rescued cells from UVB-induced toxicity in dose-dependent fashion, which was consistent with SFN’s dose-dependent activation of Nrf2/ARE interaction. Importantly, knockdown of Prdx6 revealed that Prdx6 expression was prerequisite for SFN-mediated cytoprotection. Collectively, our results suggest that loss of Prdx6 caused by dysregulation of ARE/Nrf2 can be attenuated through a SFN, to combat diseases associated with aging.
Optical properties of functionalized nanodiamonds
Authors: Pichot V. , Muller O. , Seve A. , Yvon A. , Merlat L. , Spitzer D. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractDetonation nanodiamonds exhibit strong nonlinear optical properties depending on their electronic properties. In the present paper, the nanodiamond functional groups are chemically modified to obtain nanodiamonds with primary amines on their surface. The optical properties of such nanodiamonds placed in water suspensions are studied and compared with the one of classical detonation nanodiamonds. Transmission, scattering and Z-scan experiments are performed for two different wavelengths (532 nm and 1064 nm). A lower threshold for optical limiting associated to more pronounce non-linear optical effects is detected at the wavelength of 1064 nm compared to the one at 532 nm. This effect may be due to a stronger nonlinear backscattering behavior at 1064 nm. Moreover, a striking result obtained from the Z-scan experiments reveals a completely different behavior of the functionalized nanodiamonds for both wavelengths. This result is discussed in regard to the electronic properties of the material and possible charge transfer.
Conformal QED in two-dimensional topological insulators
Authors: Menezes Natália , Palumbo Giandomenico , Morais Smith Cristiane 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIt has been shown that local four-fermion interactions on the edges of two-dimensional time-reversal-invariant topological insulators give rise to a new non-Fermi-liquid phase, called helical Luttinger liquid (HLL). Here, we provide a first-principle derivation of this HLL based on the gauge-theory approach. We start by considering massless Dirac fermions confined on the one-dimensional boundary of the topological insulator and interacting through a three-dimensional quantum dynamical electromagnetic field. Within these assumptions, through a dimensional-reduction procedure, we derive the effective 1 + 1-dimensional interacting fermionic theory and reveal its underlying gauge theory. In the low-energy regime, the gauge theory that describes the edge states is given by a conformal quantum electrodynamics (CQED), which can be mapped exactly into a HLL with a Luttinger parameter and a renormalized Fermi velocity that depend on the value of the fine-structure constant α.
Regulatory Compliant Tissue-Engineered Human Corneal Endothelial Grafts Restore Corneal Function of Rabbits with Bullous Keratopathy
Authors: Peh Gary S. L. , Ang Heng-Pei , Lwin Chan N. , Adnan Khadijah , George Benjamin L. , Seah Xin-Yi , Lin Shu-Jun , Bhogal Maninder , Liu Yu-Chi , Tan Donald T. , Mehta Jodhbir S. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractCorneal transplantation is the only treatment available to restore vision for individuals with blindness due to corneal endothelial dysfunction. However, severe shortage of available donor corneas remains a global challenge. Functional regulatory compliant tissue-engineered corneal endothelial graft substitute can alleviate this reliance on cadaveric corneal graft material. Here, isolated primary human corneal endothelial cells (CEnCs) propagated using a dual media approach refined towards regulatory compliance showed expression of markers indicative of the human corneal endothelium, and can be tissue-engineered onto thin corneal stromal carriers. Both cellular function and clinical adaptability was demonstrated in a pre-clinical rabbit model of bullous keratopathy using a tissue-engineered endothelial keratoplasty (TE-EK) approach, adapted from routine endothelial keratoplasty procedure for corneal transplantation in human patients. Cornea thickness of rabbits receiving TE-EK graft gradually reduced over the first two weeks, and completely recovered to a thickness of approximately 400 µm by the third week of transplantation, whereas corneas of control rabbits remained significantly thicker over 1,000 µm (p < 0.05) throughout the course of the study. This study showed convincing evidence of the adaptability of the propagated CEnCs and their functionality via a TE-EK approach, which holds great promises in translating the use of cultured CEnCs into the clinic.
Rapid expansion of international new ventures across institutional distance
Authors: Deng Ziliang , Jean Ruey-Jer “Bryan” , Sinkovics Rudolf R 
Published: October 2017

AbstractRapid export expansion into institutionally distant locations has become more possible in the era of digital economy. Will such rapid expansion bring desirable outcome to firms? In a context of international new ventures (INVs) from emerging markets, we reconceptualize export expansion speed as the pace of exporting across institutional distance over a certain period of time. We then examine the relationship between rapid export expansion across institutional distance and overall firm performance. We incorporate directionality into export expansion and hypothesize the relationship to be positive when INVs export upwardly to more open countries, yet the relationship to be negative when INVs export downwardly to less open countries. We also hypothesize that the degree of market liberalization in subnational regions of origin of the INVs moderates the above speed–performance relationships. Instrumental variable models based on data of Chinese indigenous INVs during 2000–2009 support these hypotheses. This study both zooms in and zooms out the analytical lens along the location-related institutional axis, examines the joint effect of institutions involved in supranational directions and subnational origins on firm performance, and advances institutional theory.
Demographics and Interstate Management Implications for Flathead Catfish in the Lower Wabash River, Illinois and Indiana
Authors: Moody-Carpenter Cassi J. , Sass Greg G. , Frankland Leslie D. , Bollinger Eric K. , Colombo Robert E. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Flathead Catfish Pylodictis olivaris in the lower Wabash River, Illinois and Indiana, are currently exploited by anglers and commercial fishers under the same fishing regulation; however, the regulations differed between the states prior to 2015. We assessed demographics of Flathead Catfish in this interstate river to gain baseline information to create models to test for sustainable exploitation rates under the new regulation and several hypothetical scenarios. During 2010–2012, we sampled 951 Flathead Catfish (length = 343 ± 5.6 mm [mean ± SE], weight = 914.5 ± 55.6 g, age = 3.5 ± 0.07 years) using pulsed-DC electrofishing, AC electrofishing, commercial harvest, and hoop nets. Mean relative weight of Flathead Catfish was greater than 100%, and proportional size distribution indices (electrofishing = 35, hoop netting = 54) suggested a quality fishery. Total annual mortality (electrofishing = 0.48, hoop netting = 0.54) was similar to estimates in other Midwestern rivers. Yield-per-recruit models predicted that growth overfishing may occur over time under the current regulation; however, demographic metrics relate to recreational and commercial creel assessments. Our results suggest that the current minimum length limit could be raised to increase yield and reduce exploitation. Our findings also demonstrate several useful field and modeling techniques to assess catfish (family Ictaluridae) populations in environments that are difficult to sample and that lack fishery-independent information.
Received January 11, 2017; accepted August 31, 2017 Published online October 20, 2017
DEEPre: sequence-based enzyme EC number prediction by deep learning
Authors: Li Yu , Wang Sheng , Umarov Ramzan , Xie Bingqing , Fan Ming , Li Lihua , Gao Xin 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Motivation
Annotation of enzyme function has a broad range of applications, such as metagenomics, industrial biotechnology, and diagnosis of enzyme deficiency-caused diseases. However, the time and resource required make it prohibitively expensive to experimentally determine the function of every enzyme. Therefore, computational enzyme function prediction has become increasingly important. In this paper, we develop such an approach, determining the enzyme function by predicting the Enzyme Commission number.

Results
We propose an end-to-end feature selection and classification model training approach, as well as an automatic and robust feature dimensionality uniformization method, DEEPre, in the field of enzyme function prediction. Instead of extracting manually crafted features from enzyme sequences, our model takes the raw sequence encoding as inputs, extracting convolutional and sequential features from the raw encoding based on the classification result to directly improve the prediction performance. The thorough cross-fold validation experiments conducted on two large-scale datasets show that DEEPre improves the prediction performance over the previous state-of-the-art methods. In addition, our server outperforms five other servers in determining the main class of enzymes on a separate low-homology dataset. Two case studies demonstrate DEEPre’s ability to capture the functional difference of enzyme isoforms.

Availability and implementation
The server could be accessed freely at http://www.cbrc.kaust.edu.sa/DEEPre.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Policing Football Fans in Switzerland—A Case Study Involving Fans, Stadium Security Employees, and Police Officers
Authors: Brechbühl Alain , Schumacher Dimech Annemarie , Seiler Roland 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
This article presents an analysis of the intergroup dynamics leading to violence between ultra football fans and stadium security employees and between these fans and police forces at a Swiss premier league football match. Twelve narrative interviews with these three stakeholders were conducted and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The findings further support the applicability of the Elaborated Social Identity Model (ESIM) of crowd behaviour. The fans’ perceptions of the out-group behaviour’s illegitimacy led to a vicious circle of negative group interactions. Specifically, behaviours perceived as provocative seemed to lead to violence escalation. However, the escalation dynamics could only be understood in the context of the power dynamics between the different groups involved. We recommend more proactive forms of crowd management to facilitate positive group interactions and to avoid ‘us against them’ attitudes.
Histologic Status of Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ After Diagnostic Biopsy in Immunocompetent and Immunosuppressed Patients
Authors: Moioli Eduardo K. , Hsieh Clifford , Tisch Angela , Bolotin Diana 
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND
The histologic status of squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCC-IS) after diagnostic biopsy has not been well described or compared between immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients. Expression of immunohistochemical (IHC) markers of aggressive SCC has not been compared between SCC-IS that clears or becomes invasive after biopsy.

OBJECTIVE
To determine the histologic status of SCC-IS after diagnostic biopsy in these populations.

METHODS
Retrospective analysis of 129 patients with SCC-IS treated with excision and 55 patients treated with Mohs surgery. Histologic features of SCC in excised tissue after biopsy were recorded. Known SCC markers were evaluated using IHC.

RESULTS
Invasive SCC was found in 3% to 16% of residual SCC-IS depending on surgical treatment modality. The history of skin cancer increased the odds of having invasive SCC in SCC-IS excisions (odds ratio 7.1, p < .05). Forty-seven percent of SCC-IS in immunosuppressed patients cleared after diagnostic biopsy compared with 70% in immunocompetent patients (p < .05). Inflammatory infiltrate and molecular markers of aggressive SCCs (Ki-67, matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-9, MMP-7, transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ)-RI, TGFβ-RII, and Sox-2) were not predictive of residual or invasive SCC at the time of treatment.

CONCLUSION
Up to 16% of SCC-IS showed invasive SCC at the time of surgical treatment. Immunosuppressed patients are more likely to have residual disease after biopsy. IHC markers of invasive SCC may not predict invasion.
Management of Incompletely Excised Skin Tumors: Our Experience
Authors: Robertson Bernard F. , Wokes James E.T. , Siddiqui Haroon 
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND
Current British Association of Dermatologists guidelines recommend that Mohs micrographic surgery should be considered for incompletely excised basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. Units that perform Mohs surgery are limited. In Teesside, the skin cancer multidisciplinary team discusses all incompletely excised skin tumors, considers all treatment options, provides recommendations, and initiates the agreed management plan.

OBJECTIVE
To assess the outcome and appropriateness of local surgical macroexcision for incompletely excised skin tumors.

METHODS
The authors performed a retrospective analysis of the local skin multidisciplinary team notes from July 2010 to July 2012 identifying all incompletely excised skin cancers. A total of 46 basal cell carcinomas and 27 squamous cell carcinomas were incompletely excised. Case note and pathology report review was used to identify the recommended management option and subsequent outcome.

RESULTS
Fifty-four of the 73 incompletely excised tumor identified underwent further surgical excision locally. Fifty-one of 54 patients (94.4%) had successful completion of excision with a single procedure. The remaining 3 patients' required further surgery, performed locally, to completely excise their tumor. Average follow-up was 35 months with 1 (1.9%) recurrence.

CONCLUSION
In the authors' region, local surgical management of incompletely excised skin tumors has yielded results comparable to Mohs surgery. Mohs surgery remains a viable option in specific cases.
Evaluation of Human Corneal Lenticule Quality After SMILE With Different Cap Thicknesses Using Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Weng Shengbei , Liu Manli , Yang Xiaonan , Liu Fang , Zhou Yugui , Lin Haiqin , Liu Quan 
Published: October 2017

Purpose:
To evaluate the surface characteristics of lenticules created by small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) with different cap thicknesses.

Methods:
This prospective study included 20 consecutive patients who underwent bilateral SMILE. Surface regularity of the extracted corneal lenticule was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with 2 methods: qualitative and quantitative regularity. Qualitative regularity of SEM images was graded by masked observers using an established scoring system. Quantitative regularity of SEM images was assessed by counting the total number and areas of tissue bridges using Image-Pro Plus software. Four different cap thickness of 120, 130, 140, and 150 μm were compared. Refractive outcomes of patients were measured at baseline and 1 month after surgery.

Results:
As 10 specimens were not analyzable, only 30 eyes were included. Postoperatively, all eyes had postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/20 or better; 43% had an unchanged corrected distance visual acuity; 43% gained 1 line; 10% lost 1 line. Ultrastructurally, surface irregularity was primarily caused by tissue bridges. The average surface regularity score obtained was 10.87 ± 2.40 for 120 μm, 10.78 ± 2.60 for 130 μm, 8.76 ± 2.16 for 140 μm, and 8.70 ± 2.66 for 150 μm (P < 0.001). The total number and areas of tissue bridges of 120 to 130 μm were significantly less than 140 to 150 μm (P < 0.05). Surface regularity decreased as cap thickness increased (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:
There is smoother appearance of the lenticular surface as seen through SEM when a thin cap is created compared with a thick cap qualitatively and quantitatively.
Causes of Childhood Vision Impairment in the School for the Blind in Eritrea
Authors: Gyawali Rajendra , Moodley Vanessa R. 
Published: October 2017

SIGNIFICANCE
Our study provides the much-needed evidence on causes of childhood blindness in Eritrea. This will assist authorities to plan appropriate strategies and implement preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services to address these causes of vision loss in children in this resource-limited country.

PURPOSE
This study aims to identify the causes of severe vision impairment and blindness in children attending the only school for the blind in Eritrea.

METHODS
All children enrolled in the school were examined, and the World Health Organization form for the examination of visually impaired children was used to record the data. Examination included visual acuity, refraction, anterior segment, and fundus assessment. Causes of vision loss for children with severe vision impairment (visual acuity <6/60 to 3/60) and blindness (visual acuity <3/60) are reported. Causes were classified by the anatomical site affected and by underlying etiology based on the timing of the insult and causal factor.

RESULTS
A total of 92 children were examined, and 71 (77.2%) of them had severe vision impairment and blindness. The major causes of vision loss were corneal scars (16.9%), cataract (12.7%), phthisis bulbi (11.3%), congenital eye deformities (11.3%), optic atrophy (9.3%), and presumed chorioretinal Toxoplasma scars (7.0%). Hereditary factors were the major known etiological category (15.5%) followed by the sequel of eye injuries (12.7%). Blindness due to vitamin A deficiency was not found, whereas infectious causes such as measles and ophthalmia neonatorum were relatively absent (one case each). Potentially avoidable causes of vision impairment were accounted for in 47.9% of children.

CONCLUSIONS
This study provides the first direct evidence on childhood vision impairment in Eritrea. Despite the limitations, it is clearly shown that nearly half of the vision loss is due to avoidable causes. Thus, preventive public health strategies, specialist pediatric eye care, and rehabilitative services are recommended to address childhood vision impairment in Eritrea.
The Effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy Augmentation of Antipsychotic Treatment on Cognitive Functions in Patients With Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia
Authors: Vuksan Ćusa Bjanka , Klepac Nataša , Jakšić Nenad , Bradaš Zoran , Božičević Marija , Palac Natalia , Šagud Marina 
Published: October 2017

Objectives
Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) continues to be a challenge in modern psychiatry. Most of these patients have severe neurocognitive deficits. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has proved effective and safe in the treatment of TRS, but because of potential neurocognitive adverse effects, it is associated with many controversies. The aim of this prospective, open study was to evaluate the effects of ECT augmentation of antipsychotics on cognitive functions in patients with TRS.

Methods
Overall, 31 inpatients with TRS were included, 16 men, with an average (SD) age of 34.1 (11.187) years. The evaluation of clinical symptoms and global impression, as well as verbal memory, visual memory, working memory, psychomotor speed, verbal fluency, and executive functioning, was conducted before and after the completion of ECT treatment.

Results
We ran a series of paired-samples t tests, and the Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons reduced the significance level to P = 0.004. The neurocognitive domains that demonstrated statistically significant improvement were immediate and delayed verbal memory, and executive functioning, whereas statistical trend was observed for visual memory and psychomotor speed. None of the neurocognitive functions exhibited significant deterioration after the ECT treatment. Electroconvulsive therapy was effective in reducing general symptoms of schizophrenia, resulting in more than 30% decrease in the overall symptom severity measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale.

Conclusions
Notwithstanding some limitations of this study, the combination of ECT and antipsychotics has improved several neurocognitive domains, without evidence of worsening of any cognitive functions.