bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Corneal Deformation Parameters in Keratoconic and Normal Eyes Using a Non-contact Tonometer With a Dynamic Ultra-High-Speed Scheimpflug Camera
Authors: Mercer Ryan N. , Waring George O. , Roberts Cynthia J. , Jhanji Vishal , Wang Yumeng , Filho Joao S. , Hemings Richard A. , Rocha Karolinne M. 
Published: September 2017

PURPOSE:
To evaluate and compare biomechanical properties in normal and keratoconic eyes using a dynamic ultra-high-speed Scheimpflug camera equipped with a non-contact tonometer (Corvis ST; Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany).

METHODS:
This retrospective study evaluated 89 eyes (47 normal, 42 keratoconic) and a validation arm of 72 eyes (33 normal, 39 keratoconic) using the Corvis ST. A diagnosis of keratoconus was established by clinical findings confirmed by topography and tomography. Dynamic corneal response parameters collected by the Corvis ST (A1 velocity, deformation amplitude [DA], DA Ratio Max 1mm, and Max Inverse Radius) and a stiffness parameter at first applanation (SP-A1) were incorporated into a novel logistic regression equation (DCR index). Area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) was used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the DCR index.

RESULTS:

DA, DA Ratio Max 1mm, Max Inverse Radius, and SP-A1 were each found to be statistically significantly different between normal and keratoconic eyes (Mann–Whitney test [independent samples];
P
= .0077, < .0001, < .0001, and < .0001, respectively; significance level:
P
< .05). DCR index demonstrated high sensitivity, specificity, and overall correct detection rate (92.9%, 95.7%, and 94.4%, respectively; AUC = 98.5). The sensitivity and overall correct detection rate improved when eyes with Topographical Keratoconus Classification grades (TKC) greater than 0 were reevaluated (from 92.9% to 96.6% and from 94.4% to 96.1%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:
Combining multiple biomechanical parameters (A1 velocity, DA, DA Ratio Max 1mm, Max Inverse Radius, and SP-A1) into a logistic regression equation allows for high sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing keratoconic from normal eyes.

[
J Refract Surg.
2017;33(9):625–631.]
Activated Protein C Attenuates Severe Inflammation by Targeting VLA-3high Neutrophil Subpopulation in Mice
Authors: Sarangi Pranita P. , Lee Hyun-wook , Lerman Yelena V. , Trzeciak Alissa , Harrower Eric J. , Rezaie Alireza R. , Kim Minsoo 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
The host injury involved in multiorgan system failure during severe inflammation is mediated, in part, by massive infiltration and sequestration of hyperactive neutrophils in the visceral organ. A recombinant form of human activated protein C (rhAPC) has shown cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory functions in some clinical and animal studies, but the direct mechanism is not fully understood. Recently, we reported that, during endotoxemia and severe polymicrobial peritonitis, integrin VLA-3 (CD49c/CD29) is specifically upregulated on hyperinflammatory neutrophils and that targeting the VLA-3high neutrophil subpopulation improved survival in mice. In this article, we report that rhAPC binds to human neutrophils via integrin VLA-3 (CD49c/CD29) with a higher affinity compared with other Arg-Gly-Asp binding integrins. Similarly, there is preferential binding of activated protein C (PC) to Gr1highCD11bhighVLA-3high cells isolated from the bone marrow of septic mice. Furthermore, specific binding of rhAPC to human neutrophils via VLA-3 was inhibited by an antagonistic peptide (LXY2). In addition, genetically modified mutant activated PC, with a high affinity for VLA-3, shows significantly improved binding to neutrophils compared with wild-type activated PC and significantly reduced neutrophil infiltration into the lungs of septic mice. These data indicate that variants of activated PC have a stronger affinity for integrin VLA-3, which reveals novel therapeutic possibilities.
Activation of Human Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells Induces CD40L-Dependent Maturation of Monocyte-Derived and Primary Dendritic Cells
Authors: Salio Mariolina , Gasser Olivier , Gonzalez-Lopez Claudia , Martens Anne , Veerapen Natacha , Gileadi Uzi , Verter Jacob G. , Napolitani Giorgio , Anderson Regan , Painter Gavin , Besra Gurdyal S. , Hermans Ian F. , Cerundolo Vincenzo 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate T cells that recognize intermediates of the vitamin B2 biosynthetic pathway presented by the monomorphic MR1 molecule. It remains unclear whether, in addition to their cytolytic activity that is important in antimicrobial defense, MAIT cells have immune-modulatory functions that could enhance dendritic cell (DC) maturation. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms dictating the interactions between human MAIT cells and DCs and demonstrate that human MAIT cells mature monocyte-derived and primary DCs in an MR1- and CD40L-dependent manner. Furthermore, we show that MAIT cell–derived signals synergize with microbial stimuli to induce secretion of bioactive IL-12 by DCs. Activation of human MAIT cells in whole blood leads to MR1- and cytokine-dependent NK cell transactivation. Our results underscore an important property of MAIT cells, which can be of translational relevance to rapidly orchestrate adaptive immunity through DC maturation.
IL-17A Produced by Innate Lymphoid Cells Is Essential for Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Geha Mayya , Tsokos Maria G. , Bosse Robin E. , Sannikova Tatyana , Iwakura Yoichiro , Dalle Lucca Jurandir J. , De Waal Malefyt Rene , Tsokos George C. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury to the small intestine following clamping of the superior mesenteric artery results in an intense local inflammatory response that is characterized by villous damage and neutrophil infiltration. IL-17A, a cytokine produced by a variety of cells in response to inflammatory cytokines released following tissue injury, has been implicated in IR injury. Using Il17a−/−, Il23r−/−, and Rorc−/− mice and administration of anti–IL-17A and anti–IL-23 neutralizing Abs to wild-type mice, we demonstrate that intestinal IR injury depends on IL-17A and that IL-17A is downstream of the binding of autoantibody to ischemia-conditioned tissues and subsequent complement activation. Using bone marrow chimeras, we demonstrate that the IL-17A required for intestinal IR injury is derived from hematopoietic cells. Finally, by transferring autoantibody-rich sera into Rag2γc−/− and Rag2−/− mice, we demonstrate that innate lymphoid cells are the main producers of IL-17A in intestinal IR injury. We propose that local production of IL-17A by innate lymphoid cells is crucial for the development of intestinal IR injury and may provide a therapeutic target for clinical exploitation.
La publicidad en el punto de venta: influencia en la imagen corporal infantil
Authors: Jiménez-Marín Gloria , García Medina Irene , Bellido-Pérez Elena 
Published: September 2017

En este artículo se estudia la representación del cuerpo infantil en el punto de venta de los establecimientos de moda infantil, con el objetivo de analizar la imagen corporal proyectada en dichos establecimientos dirigidos a niños, como consumidores, y a sus padres, como compradores. Metodología: Para ello se han analizado, a través de la observación como método, una serie de variables (delgadez, altura, etc.) aplicadas a los componentes del punto de venta. Este análisis se ha realizado sobre una muestra de 50 establecimientos pertenecientes a 18 marcas de moda infantil. Resultados y conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos arrojan luz sobre realidades analizadas en investigaciones previas, como la desafección de los niños por su cuerpo o los desórdenes alimentarios relativos a ello, puesto que la mayoría de establecimientos tienden a generar imágenes de niños-adultos irreales.
JASMIN-based Two-dimensional Adaptive Combined Preconditioner for Radiation Diffusion Equations in Inertial Fusion Research
Authors: Yue Xiaoqiang , Xu Xiaowen , Shu Shi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe present a JASMIN-based two-dimensional parallel implementation of an adaptive combined preconditioner for the solution of linear problems arising in the finite volume discretisation of one-group and multi-group radiation diffusion equations. We first propose the attribute of patch-correlation for cells of a two-dimensional monolayer piecewise rectangular structured grid without any suspensions based on the patch hierarchy of JASMIN, classify and reorder these cells via their attributes, and derive the conversion of cell-permutations. Using two cell-permutations, we then construct some parallel incomplete LU factorisation and substitution algorithms, to provide our parallel -GMRES solver with the help of the default BoomerAMG in the HYPRE library. Numerical results demonstrate that our proposed parallel incomplete LU preconditioner (ILU) is of higher efficiency than the counterpart in the Euclid library, and that the proposed parallel -GMRES solver is more robust and more efficient than the default BoomerAMG-GMRES solver.
EFFECT OF POLYMER CHAIN MODIFICATIONS ON ELASTOMER PROPERTIES
Authors: Bandzierz Katarzyna S. , Reuvekamp Louis A. E. M. , Dryzek Jerzy , Dierkes Wilma K. , Blume Anke , Bieliński Dariusz M. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTConsiderable attention is paid to the influence of crosslink density and crosslink structures on the behavior of polymer chains and properties of elastomers. However, a very important parameter seems to be underestimated: the modifications to the polymer chains by curatives, formed by sulfur and fragments of accelerators. We draw attention to this important contribution to performance of spatial networks. The emulsion styrene–butadiene rubber samples, cured with tetramethylthiuram disulfide and sulfur (TMTD/S8) and zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate with sulfur (ZDT/S8), were studied. They were characterized in detail in terms of crosslink density and crosslink structures. Microscale techniques were used to obtain information about the behavior of the polymer chains: positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) to study the free volume structure and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) to monitor the glass transition process. Properties such as static mechanical performance and thermo-oxidative stability were also evaluated. All of the investigated characteristics were influenced by a combination of crosslink density, crosslink structures, and, to a large extent, by the modifications of the polymer chains. The effect of the modifications is dependent on the amount and the structure of the curatives' molecules. On the basis of the obtained results, the usefulness of the “phr” unit used for calculation of the curatives' amount has been queried. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that DSC, DMA, and PALS techniques can provide evidence for the presence of the modifications on the polymer chain by curatives.
Chemometric-Assisted Spectrophotometric Method for the Simultaneous Quantitative Determination of Ezetimibe and Simvastatin in Their Combined Dosage Forms
Authors: Heringer de Souza Fernanda , Todeschini Vítor , Sangoi Maximiliano da Silva 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
The multivariate method, partial least-squares (PLS), was used as a calibration procedure for the simultaneous UV spectrophotometric determination of ezetimibe and simvastatin in their pharmaceutical forms. The method was developed and satisfactorily validated according to International Conference on Harmonization guidelines with respect to specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness. In this study, the PLS algorithms are based on the absorption spectra of 25 different mixtures of drugs obtained by a multilevel factorial design. The method was linear in the concentration range of 2–8 μg/mL for ezetimibe and 4–16 μg/mL for simvastatin (r2 &gt; 0.99; n = 7) at wavelengths of 238 and 247 nm, respectively. The LOD and LOQ were 0.28 and 0.93 μg/mL for ezetimibe and 0.16 and 0.53 μg/mL for simvastatin, respectively. Precision and accuracy data, evaluated by RSD, were lower than 2%. The method, which proved to be robust, was performed with a 2n full-factorial design. The validated method is simple and low cost, has a low use of polluting reagents, and is environmental friendly. Therefore, the proposed method was successfully applied for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of ezetimibe and simvastatin in commercial formulations.
Numerical analysis for infant's unintentional exposure to 3.5 GHz plane wave radiofrequency electromagnetic fields by field test of fifth generation wireless technologies
Authors: Liu Dan , Li Congsheng , Kang Yangyang , Zhou Zhou , Xie Yi , Wu Tongning 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn this study, the plane wave exposure of an infant to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields of 3.5 GHz was numerically analyzed to investigate the unintentional electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure of fifth generation (5G) signals during field test. The dosimetric influence of age‐dependent dielectric properties and the influence of an adult body were evaluated using an infant model of 12 month old and an adult female model. The results demonstrated that the whole body‐averaged specific absorption rate (WBASAR) was not significantly affected by age‐dependent dielectric properties and the influence of the adult body did not enhance WBASAR. Taking the magnitude of the in situ E field strength into consideration, realistic WBASAR was far below the basic restriction. Age‐dependent dielectric properties could significantly change the tissue specified specific absorption rate (TSSAR) of internal organs. However, the variation was not significant because the absolute values were marginal. Among the factors that influenced TSSAR variation, change in dielectric properties demonstrated a close correlation. In general, at 3.5 GHz, the infant did not absorb more power than the case of EMF exposure to third generation (3G) and fourth generation (4G) signals. The work was helpful for network operators and device manufactures to estimate the potential exposure risk during the field test, especially for the infant.
Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes as Platform for Biomimetically Inspired Mechanical Sensing, Bioactive Surfaces, and Electrical Cell Interfacing
Authors: Schneider Jörg J. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractVertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) are one dimensional carbon objects anchored atop of a solid substrate. They are geometrically fixed in contrast to their counterparts, randomly oriented carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In this progress report, the breadth in which these one dimensional, mechanically flexible, though robust and electrical conducting carbon nanostructures can be employed as functional material is shown and our research is put in perspective to work in the last five to ten years. The connection between the different areas touched in this report is the biomimetic‐materials approach, which rely on the hairy morphology of VACNTs. These properties in connection with their electrical conductivity offer possibilities towards new functional features and applications of VACNTs. To appreciate the possibilities of biomimetic research with VACNTs, first their material characteristics are given to make the reader familiar with specific features of their synthesis, the peculiarities in arranging and controlling the morphology of CNTs in a vertical alignment as well as a current understanding of these properties on a microscopic basis. In doing so, similarities as well as differences, which offer new possibilities for biomimetic studies of VACNTS with respect to multiwalled randomly oriented CNTs, will become clear.
In Vitro Microfluidic Models for Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Osaki Tatsuya , Shin Yoojin , Sivathanu Vivek , Campisi Marco , Kamm Roger D. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMicrofluidic devices enable novel means of emulating neurodegenerative disease pathophysiology in vitro. These organ‐on‐a‐chip systems can potentially reduce animal testing and substitute (or augment) simple 2D culture systems. Reconstituting critical features of neurodegenerative diseases in a biomimetic system using microfluidics can thereby accelerate drug discovery and improve our understanding of the mechanisms of several currently incurable diseases. This review describes latest advances in modeling neurodegenerative diseases in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. First, this study summarizes fundamental advantages of microfluidic devices in the creation of compartmentalized cell culture microenvironments for the co‐culture of neurons, glial cells, endothelial cells, and skeletal muscle cells and in their recapitulation of spatiotemporal chemical gradients and mechanical microenvironments. Then, this reviews neurodegenerative‐disease‐on‐a‐chip models focusing on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Finally, this study discusses about current drawbacks of these models and strategies that may overcome them. These organ‐on‐chip technologies can be useful to be the first line of testing line in drug development and toxicology studies, which can contribute significantly to minimize the phase of animal testing steps.
Anatomic relationship of the first olfactory neuron and trochlea: cadaveric study with surgical implications
Authors: Locker Philip , Plitt Max , Papagiannopoulos Peter , Smith Ryan , Tajudeen Bobby A. 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundIatrogenic injury to the trochlea is a potential complication of the Draf III or endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure; however, the location of the trochlea from within the sinus cavity has yet to be clearly characterized. We performed the first cadaveric study assessing the position of the trochlea in relation to the first olfactory neuron, a commonly identified landmark during the Draf III procedure.MethodsThirteen external dissections of the trochlea were performed on 7 disarticulated cadaveric heads via an extended Lynch type incision. An endoscopic Draf III procedure was then performed on all cadavers. A burr hole was then created at the trochlear fovea. A straight vector between the trochlear attachment and the ipsilateral first olfactory neuron was then created. The vector was then viewed from within the sinuses using a 30‐degree endoscope. The endoscope was maneuvered to create an upright midline view centered on the olfactory neurons. An image was subsequently captured and analyzed using ImageJ software to calculate a vector angle. The linear distance between the 2 structures was also recorded.ResultsRelative to the first olfactory neuron, the trochlea was found to be 19.52 ± 4.68 mm away and at an angle of 39.42 ± 8.54 degrees in the anterolateral, superior direction along the frontal bone.ConclusionWe report the first anatomical dissection characterizing the position of the trochlea relative to the ipsilateral first olfactory neuron. Intraoperative recognition of this relationship during Draf III procedures can prevent potential injury to the trochlea.
Mehrvergütungsansprüche für Allgemeine Geschäftskosten nach dem Äquivalenzprinzip für Mehr‐ und Mindermengen sowie für Behinderung bei VOB‐Verträgen
Authors: Čadež Ivan 
Published: September 2017

AbstractDie Lösungsansätze für Mehrvergütungsansprüche (MVA) für Allgemeine Geschäftskosten (AGK) unter Berücksichtigung des Äquivalenzprinzips für geänderte und zusätzliche Leistungen nach § 2 Abs. 5 und 6 VOB/B und in Ansätzen auch für Behinderungen nach § 6 Abs. 6 VOB/B wurden in vorangegangenen Beiträgen bereits dargestellt. In diesem Beitrag werden daher die MVA der AGK aus Mehr‐ und Mindermengen nach § 2 Abs. 3 VOB/B unter Beachtung des Äquivalenzprinzips erläutert und es wird eine dezidierte Betrachtung der MVA für AGK aus Behinderungen nach § 6 Abs. 6 VOB/B bzw. § 642 BGB gegeben.Im Ergebnis wird ein modularer und methodischer Lösungsansatz für MVA für AGK vorgestellt, mit dessen Hilfe AGK eindeutig, einheitlich, baubetriebswirtschaftlich richtig und VOB‐konform bei Bausolländerungen berechnet werden können.Die Berücksichtigung des Äquivalenzprinzips bedeutet im Wesentlichen, dass das bei Vertragsabschluss bestehende Gleichgewicht zwischen Leistung und Vergütung auch bei Bausolländerungen aus baubetriebswirtschaftlicher Sicht weiterhin bestehen bleibt. Dieser Ansatz ist sinnvoll, da dem weiter aufrechterhaltenen Äquivalenzprinzip bei Bausolländerungen alle Fachleute und Beteiligte auf Auftraggeber‐ und Auftragnehmerseite zustimmen.
Renal‐protective and ameliorating impacts of omega‐3 fatty acids against aspartame damaged MDCK cells
Authors: Pandurangan Muthuraman , Enkhtaivan Gansukh , Veerappan Muthuviveganandavel , Mistry Bhupendra , Patel Rahul , Moon So Hyun , Nagajyothi Patnamsetty Chidanandha , Kim Doo Hwan 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAspartame is widely used artificial sweeteners as food additives. Several researchers have pointed that the controversial report on the use of aspartame over more than decades. Omega‐3 fatty acids are essential and unsaturated fatty acids, and it plays a remarkable role in vision, intelligence, neural development, and metabolism of neurotransmitters. Therefore, the present study was aimed to investigate the effect of omega‐3 fatty acids on aspartame treated renal cells. Experimental groups were divided into three such as sham control, aspartame treated, and aspartame with omega‐3 fatty acids. Cell viability was determined by sulforhodamine‐b assay and flow cytometric analysis. The experimental results showed that the aspartame induced altered cell viability were reduced following treatment of aspartame with omega‐3 fatty acids. Altered cell morphology was recovered by omega‐3 fatty acids. DNA damage appeared in the highest concentration of aspartame used in this study. DNA damage characteristics such as comet tail and tiny head sections did not appear in the omega‐3 fatty acids treated cells. Several microvilli and vesicular structures were found in aspartame treated cells. Altered morphology such as rounding, microvilli, and formation of dome‐like structures did not appear in the omega‐3 fatty acids with aspartame treated cells. Caspase‐3 mRNA and protein expression were increased in aspartame treated cells, and these levels were reduced following omega‐3 fatty acids treatment. Taking all these data together, it is suggested that the omega‐3 fatty acids may be a therapeutic agent to reduce the aspartame induced biochemical and morphological alterations in normal renal cells. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(6):847–857, 2017
Nature, nurture, and capital punishment: How evidence of a genetic–environment interaction, future dangerousness, and deliberation affect sentencing decisions
Authors: Gordon Natalie , Greene Edie 
Published: September 2017

Research has shown that the low‐activity MAOA genotype in conjunction with a history of childhood maltreatment increases the likelihood of violent behaviors. This genetic–environment (G × E) interaction has been introduced as mitigation during the sentencing phase of capital trials, yet there is scant data on its effectiveness. This study addressed that issue. In a factorial design that varied mitigating evidence offered by the defense [environmental (i.e., childhood maltreatment), genetic, G × E, or none] and the likelihood of the defendant's future dangerousness (low or high), 600 mock jurors read sentencing phase evidence in a capital murder trial, rendered individual verdicts, and half deliberated as members of a jury to decide a sentence of death or life imprisonment. The G × E evidence had little mitigating effect on sentencing preferences: participants who received the G × E evidence were no less likely to sentence the defendant to death than those who received evidence of childhood maltreatment or a control group that received neither genetic nor maltreatment evidence. Participants with evidence of a G × E interaction were more likely to sentence the defendant to death when there was a high risk of future dangerousness than when there was a low risk. Sentencing preferences were more lenient after deliberation than before. We discuss limitations and future directions.