bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
At the Bedside: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) as targets for biomarkers and therapies in autoimmune diseases
Authors: Barnado April , Crofford Leslie J , Oates Jim C 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Neutrophil extracellular traps are associated with a unique form of cell death distinct from apoptosis or necrosis, whereby invading microbes are trapped and killed. Neutrophil extracellular traps can contribute to autoimmunity by exposing autoantigens, inducing IFN-α production, and activating the complement system. The association of neutrophil extracellular traps with autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus, will be reviewed. Increased neutrophil extracellular trap formation is seen in psoriasis, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Neutrophil extracellular traps may promote thrombus formation in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. In systemic lupus erythematosus, increased neutrophil extracellular trap formation is associated with increased disease activity and renal disease, suggesting that neutrophil extracellular traps could be a disease activity marker. Neutrophil extracellular traps can damage and kill endothelial cells and promote inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques, which may contribute to accelerated atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus. As neutrophil extracellular traps induce IFN-α production, measuring neutrophil extracellular traps may estimate IFN-α levels and identify which systemic lupus erythematosus patients have elevated levels and may be more likely to respond to emerging anti-IFN-α therapies. In addition to anti-IFN-α therapies, other novel agents, such as N-acetyl-cysteine, DNase I, and peptidylarginine deiminase inhibitor 4, target neutrophil extracellular traps. Neutrophil extracellular traps offer insight into the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and provide promise in developing disease markers and novel therapeutic agents in systemic lupus erythematosus. Priority areas for basic research based on clinical research insights will be identified, specifically the potential role of neutrophil extracellular traps as a biomarker and therapeutic target in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Aberrant TGFβ Signaling Contributes to Altered Trophoblast Differentiation in Preeclampsia
Authors: Xu Jing , Sivasubramaniyam Tharini , Yinon Yoav , Tagliaferro Andrea , Ray Jocelyn , Nevo Ori , Post Martin , Caniggia Isabella 
Published: December 2015

AbstractTGFβ has been implicated in preeclampsia, but its intracellular signaling via phosphorylated mothers against decapentaplegic (SMADs) and SMAD-independent proteins in the placenta remains elusive. Here we show that TGFβ receptor-regulated SMAD2 was activated (Ser465/467 phosphorylation) in syncytiotrophoblast and proliferating extravillous trophoblast cells of first-trimester placenta, whereas inhibitory SMAD7 located primarily to cytotrophoblast cells. SMAD2 phosphorylation decreased with advancing gestation, whereas SMAD7 expression increased and shifted to syncytiotrophoblasts toward term. Additionally, we found that the TGFβ SMAD-independent signaling via partitioning defective protein 6 (PARD6)/Smad ubiquitylation regulatory factor was activated at approximately 10–12 weeks of gestation in cytotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast cells comprising the anchoring column. Placentae from early-onset, but not late-onset, preeclampsia exhibited elevated SMAD2 phosphorylation and SMAD7 levels. Whereas PARD6 expression increased and SMURF1 levels decreased in preeclamptic placentae, their association increased. SMAD2 phosphorylation by TGFβ in villous explants and BeWo cells resulted in a reduction of Glial cell missing-1 (GCM1) and fusogenic protein syncytin-1 while increasing cell cycle regulators cyclin E-1 (CCNE1) and cyclin-dependent kinase 4. SMAD7 abrogated the proliferative effects of TGFβ. CCNE1 levels were increased in preeclamptic placentae, whereas GCM1 was markedly reduced. In addition, TGFβ treatment increased the association of PARD6 and SMURF1 and down-regulated Ras homolog gene family, member A (RHOA) GTPase in JEG3 cells. In a wound assay, TGFβ treatment increased the association of PARD6 and SMURF1 and triggered JEG3 cell migration through increased cellular protrusions. Taken together, our data indicate that TGFβ signaling via both SMAD2/7 and PARD6/SMURF1 pathways plays a role in trophoblast growth and differentiation. Altered SMAD regulation of GCM1 and CCNE1 and aberrant expression/activation of PARD6/SMURF1 may contribute to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia by affecting cellular pathways associated with this disorder.
Regeneration in the Pituitary After Cell-Ablation Injury: Time-Related Aspects and Molecular Analysis
Authors: Willems Christophe , Fu Qiuli , Roose Heleen , Mertens Freya , Cox Benoit , Chen Jianghai , Vankelecom Hugo 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
We recently showed that the mouse pituitary holds regenerative competence. Young-adult GHCre/iDTR mice, expressing diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor in GH-producing cells, regenerate the GH+ cells, as ablated by 3-day DT treatment (3DT), up to 60% after 5 months. The pituitary's stem cells participate in this restoration process. Here, we characterized this regenerative capacity in relation to age and recovery period and started to search for underlying molecular mechanisms. Extending the recovery period (up to 19 mo) does not result in higher regeneration levels. In addition, the regenerative competence disappears at older age, coinciding with a reduction in pituitary stem cell number and fitness. Surprisingly, prolonging DT treatment of young-adult mice to 10 days (10DT) completely blocks the regeneration, although the stem cell compartment still reacts by promptly expanding, and retains in vitro stem cell functionality. To obtain a first broad view on molecular grounds underlying reparative capacity and/or failure, the stem cell-clustering side population was analyzed by whole-genome expression analysis. A number of stemness factors and components of embryonic, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, growth factor and Hippo pathways are higher expressed in the stem cell-clustering side population of the regenerating pituitary (after 3DT) when compared with the basal gland and to the nonregenerating pituitary (after 10DT). Together, the regenerative capacity of the pituitary is limited both in age-related terms and final efficacy, and appears to rely on stem cell-associated pathway activation. Dissection of the molecular profiles may eventually identify targets to induce or boost regeneration in situations of (injury-related) pituitary deficiency.
Minimally Invasive Transpalpebral Endoscopic-Assisted Amygdalohippocampectomy
Authors: Mandel Mauricio , Figueiredo Eberval Gadelha , Mandel Suzana Abramovicz , Tutihashi Rafael , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although anterior temporal lobectomy may be a definitive surgical treatment for epileptic patients with mesial temporal sclerosis, it often results in verbal, visual, and cognitive dysfunction. Studies have consistently reported the advantages of selective procedures compared with a standard anterior temporal lobectomy, mainly in terms of neuropsychological outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a new technique to perform a selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SAH) through a transpalpebral approach with endoscopic assistance.

METHODS: A mini fronto-orbitozygomatic craniotomy through an eyelid incision was performed in 8 patients. Both a microscope and neuroendoscope were used in the surgeries. An anterior SAH was performed in 5 patients who had the diagnosis of temporal lobe epilepsy with mesial temporal sclerosis. One patient had a mesial temporal lesion suggesting a ganglioglioma. Two patients presented mesial temporal cavernomas with seizures originating from the temporal lobe.

RESULTS: The anterior approach allowed removal of the amygdala and hippocampus. The image-guided system and postoperative evaluation confirmed that the amygdala may be accessed and completely removed through this route. The hippocampus was partially resected. All patients have discontinued medication with no more epileptic seizures. The patients with cavernomas and ganglioglioma also had their lesions completely removed. One-year follow-up has shown no visible scars.

CONCLUSION: The anterior route for SAH is a rational and direct approach to the mesial temporal lobe. Anterior SAH is a safe, less invasive procedure that provides early identification of critical vascular and neural structures in the basal cisterns. The transpalpebral approach provides a satisfactory cosmetic outcome.
Classes of generalized Weingarten surfaces in the Euclidean 3-space
Authors: Dias Diogo G. , Corro Armando M. V. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
We present surfaces with prescribed normal Gaussmap. These surfaces are obtained as the envelope of a sphere congruencewhere the other envelope is contained in a plane. We introduce classes of surfaces that generalize linear Weingarten surfaces, where the coefficients are functions that depend on the support function and the distance function from a fixed point (in short, DSGW-surfaces). The linear Weingarten surfaces, Appell’s surfaces and Tzitzeica’s surfaces are all DSGW-surfaces. From them we obtain new classes of DSGWsurfaces applying inversions, dilatations and parallel surfaces. For a special class of DSGW-surfaces, which is invariant under dilatations and inversions, we obtain a Weierstrass type representation (in short, EDSG Wsurfaces). As applications we classify the EDSGW-surfaces of rotation and present a 2-parameter family of complete cyclic EDSGW-surfaces with an isolated singularity and foliated by non-parallel planes.
Solar Drying Kinetics of Cass Ava Slices in a Mixed Flow Dryer
Authors: Dairo Olawale Usman , Aderinlewo Adewole Ayobami , Adeosun Olayemi Johnson , Ola Ibukun Adekola , Salaudeen Tolulope 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Drying characteristics of cassava slices was investigated in a mixed mode natural convection solar dryer to obtain a suitable mathematical model describing the drying. The average drying chamber temperature was between 34 ±2 °C and 50 ±1.8 °C, while 10 commonly used thin layer drying models were used for drying curve modelling. Coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE) were used to determine the models performances. The drying curve of cassava slices showed a reduction of moisture content with increased drying time in the solar dryer, and the variation of moisture ratio exponentially decreased with increased drying time. The Midilli and Logarithmic models showed better fit to the experimental drying data of cassava slices. As compared with other models tested, there were no significant differences (p >0.05) in the R2 values obtained for the Midilli and Logarithmic models; hence, the Logarithmic model was preferable because of the lower RMSE. The diffusion mechanism could be used to describe the drying of cassava slices that was found to be in the falling rate period. A diffusion coefficient (Deff) of 1.22 × 10-8 m2 s-1 was obtained, which was within the established standard for food products.
The use of outlier detection methods in the log-normal distribution for the identification of atypical varietal experiments
Authors: Kornacki Andrzej , Bochniak Andrzej 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
In this study the Akaike information criterion for detecting outliers in a log-normal distribution is used. Theoretical results were applied to the identification of atypical varietal trials. This is an alternative to the tolerance interval method. Detection of outliers with the help of the Akaike information criterion represents an alternative to the method of testing hypotheses. This approach does not depend on the level of significance adopted by the investigator. It also does not lead to the masking effect of outliers.
Current mode sigma-delta modulator designed with the help of transistor’s size optimization tool
Authors: Śniatała P. , Naumowicz M. , Handkiewicz A. , Szczęsny S. , Melo J.L.A. de , Paulino N. , Goes J. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
The paper presents a second order current mode sigma-delta modulator designed with the help of a new elaborated tool to optimize the transistor sizes. The circuit is composed of two continuous time loop filters, a current comparator and a one bit DAC with a current output. The resulting circuit, designed in a 65 nm 1.2 V CMOS technology, has a bandwidth of 2 MHz for a clock frequency of 250 MHz. The electrical simulation results show that it achieves a maximum signal-to-noise-plus-distortion ratio (SNDR) of 53.6 dB while dissipating 93 μW, which corresponds to an efficiency of 59.7 fJ/conv. The fully current mode structure makes the circuit suitable to be applied in a current mode signal processing like biosensors or image pixels arrays.
Discretization of data using Boolean transformations and information theory based evaluation criteria
Authors: Jankowski C. , Reda D. , Mańkowski M. , Borowik G. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Discretization is one of the most important parts of decision table preprocessing. Transforming continuous values of attributes into discrete intervals influences further analysis using data mining methods. In particular, the accuracy of generated predictions is highly dependent on the quality of discretization. The paper contains a description of three new heuristic algorithms for discretization of numeric data, based on Boolean reasoning. Additionally, an entropy-based evaluation of discretization is introduced to compare the results of the proposed algorithms with the results of leading university software for data analysis. Considering the discretization as a data compression method, the average compression ratio achieved for databases examined in the paper is 8.02 while maintaining the consistency of databases at 100%.
The average time complexity of probabilistic algorithms for finding generators in finite cyclic groups
Authors: Adamski T. , Nowakowski W. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Generators of finite cyclic groups play important role in many cryptographic algorithms like public key ciphers, digital signatures, entity identification and key agreement algorithms. The above kinds of cryptographic algorithms are crucial for all secure communication in computer networks and secure information processing (in particular in mobile services, banking and electronic administration). In the paper, proofs of correctness of two probabilistic algorithms (for finding generators of finite cyclic groups and primitive roots) are given along with assessment of their average time computational complexity.
Updating the Nomographical Diagrams for Dimensioning the Beams
Authors: Pop Maria T. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
In order to reduce the time period needed for structures design it is strongly recommended to use nomographical diagrams. The base for formation and updating the nomographical diagrams, stands on the charts presented by different technical publications. The updated charts use the same algorithm and calculation elements as the former diagrams in accordance to the latest prescriptions and European standards. The result consists in a chart, having the same properties, similar with the nomogragraphical diagrams already in us. As a general conclusion, even in our days, the nomographical diagrams are very easy to use. Taking into consideration the value of the moment it’s easy to find out the necessary reinforcement area and vice-verse, having the reinforcement area you can find out the capable moment. It still remains a useful opportunity for pre-sizing and designs the reinforced concrete sections.
Variscan thrusting in I- and S-type granitic rocks of the Tribeč Mountains, Western Carpathians (Slovakia): evidence from mineral compositions and monazite dating
Authors: Broska Igor , Petrík Igor 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe Tribeč granitic core (Tatric Superunit, Western Carpathians, Slovakia) is formed by Devonian/Lower Carboniferous, calc-alkaline I- and S-type granitic rocks and their altered equivalents, which provide a rare opportunity to study the Variscan magmatic, post-magmatic and tectonic evolution. The calculatedP-T-Xpath of I-type granitic rocks, based on Fe-Ti oxides, hornblende, titanite and mica-bearing equilibria, illustrates changes in redox evolution. There is a transition from magmatic stage atTca. 800–850 °C and moderate oxygen fugacity (FMQ buffer) to an oxidation event at 600 °C between HM and NNO up to the oxidation peak at 480 °C and HM buffer, to the final reduction at ca. 470 °C at ΔNN= 3.3. Thus, the post-magmatic Variscan history recorded in I-type tonalites shows at early stage pronounced oxidation and low temperature shift back to reduction. The S-type granites originated at temperature 700–750 °C at lower water activity and temperature. TheP-Tconditions of mineral reactions in altered granitoids at Variscan time (both I and S-types) correspond to greenschist facies involving formation of secondary biotite. The Tribeč granite pluton recently shows horizontal and vertical zoning: from the west side toward the east S-type granodiorites replace I-type tonalites and these medium/coarse-grained granitoids are vertically overlain by their altered equivalents in greenschist facies. Along the Tribeč mountain ridge, younger undeformed leucocratic granite dykes in age 342±4.4 Ma cut these metasomatically altered granitic rocks and thus post-date the alteration process. The overlaying sheet of the altered granites is in a low-angle superposition on undeformed granitoids and forms “a granite duplex” within Alpine Tatric Superunit, which resulted from a syn-collisional Variscan thrusting event and melt formation ~340 Ma. The process of alteration may have been responsible for shifting the oxidation trend to the observed partial reduction.
A review of magnetostratigraphic results from the Tithonian–Berriasian of Nordvik (Siberia) and possible biostratigraphic constraints
Authors: Schnabl Petr , Pruner Petr , Wimbledon William A.P. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
In this contribution we examine and discuss recently published magnetostratigraphic data from the Nordvik section (north Siberia) around the Tithonian–Berriasian (J/K) boundary, with a special emphasis on calibration with biostratigraphy and the reliability of both the fossil and magnetic records, as well as sedimentation rates. Specifically, we discuss original new interpretations by Bragin et al. (2013) and the commentary on that work by Guzhikov (2013). We consider some limitations of the Nordvik section, and conclude that the base of M18r, because it is in a condensed part of the sequence, makes a poor contender for precise long-range correlation. We discuss the lack of ammonites at several magnetozone boundaries, and whether the bases of the local zones of Craspedites taimyrensis and Arctoteuthis tehamaensis can be used to bracket the correlative horizon of Calpionella alpina, a widespread marker in the middle of M19n.2n in Tethys.
Risk Of Lead Intoxication In Exposed Workers
Authors: Kuneva Tanja P. , Apostolova Diana B. , Stoyneva Zlatka B. , Ivanova Aneta B. , Boyadzhieva Vladimira V. , Yosifcheva Kristina A. 
Published: December 2015

Summary
A clinical observation of 15 workers exposed to lead, engaged in recycling of lead accumulators, was carried out. The exposition to lead aerosols varied from 2 months to 14 years. High levels of lead absorption and excretion after application of antidote therapy were found in all workers followed up. There were no manifestclinical signs and symptoms in 7 workers whom we suspected to be lead carriers. Anemia was diagnosed in 8 of the investigated persons. Severe form of intoxication, including paresis of both radial nerves, was established in one worker. Subacute lead poisoning, presenting with lead colic, anemia, toxic hepatitis and toxic polyneuropathy, was diagnosed in three persons with only several months of intensive lead exposure. Association between lead exposure, metal absorption and clinical symptoms in investigated persons were discussed.
Plasma Homocysteine Level And C677T Polymorphism In MTHFR Gene In Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Grek Andrey V. , Prystupa Lyudmyla N. , Sytnik Tatiana V. 
Published: December 2015

Summary
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) of atherosclerotic origin and accompanying complications are a major cause of mortality in the world and Ukraine, in particular. Endothelial dysfunction is the key cause of atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis. One of the causes of endothelial dysfunction is hyperhomocysteinemia that may occur on the background of MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) mutation.
Thus, the goal of the study was to investigate the interrelation between homocysteine (Hc) level and MTHFR polymorphism in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
161 patients with ischemic heart disease and ACS have been examined. The control group comprised 87 healthy individuals. Homocysteine level was the highest in the patients having ACS with ST-segment elevation and complicated course, and was 1.8 times higher than Hc level in the control group. The patients with the most severe ACS course comprised 27 % of homozygotes for the major allele C and 41 % of homozygotes for the minor allele T. Comparing the distribution of MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism in patients with ACS that were stratified by plasma Hc level, we observed a statistically significant association, P < 0.030 by chi-square test. We confirmed that these patients had a high T/T genotype frequency of MTHFR C677T polymorphism. The obtained data proved the association of T/T genotype of MTHFR C677T polymorphism with increased Hc level as well as ACS severity.
Biliopancreatic Diversion With Duodenal Switch. Long Term Weight Loss
Authors: Stoyanov Toni I. , Sanchez Pedro C. , Calero Antonio P. , Moreno Augustina M. , Blazquez Emilio G. , Rebollo Servando U. , Casado Santamaria P. , Tonchev Pencho T. , Ivanov Kaloyan T. , Stoikov Dimitar J. 
Published: December 2015

Summary
Biliopancreatic derivation with duodenal switch (BPDDS) as an operative technique in the management of morbid obesity was created as an alternative to BPD (Scopinaro's operation), because of BPD-DS's fewer malabsorption side effects, better restrictive effect to the stomach remnant, fewer peptic ulcers and dumping syndromes, as well as lower morbidity and mortality rate. Between January 2003 and June 2012 in the University Hospital Center of Albacete, 141 patients with morbid obesity underwent BPD-DS. The patients were divided in groups according to four criteria: length of the common channel, age, gender and initial Body Mass Index. On the 6th postoperative year in our study the percent of excessive body weight loss was 67.6% and the percentage of excessive BMI loss was 73%. According to the evaluation announced by Hess D.S. & Hess D.W, our results could be assessed as successful after 6 months, good on the first year, excellent on the second, and good from 3rd to 9th postoperative years. Our results confirm the hypothesis that the biliopancreatic derivation with duodenal switch is a bariatric intervention, which leads to a significant weight loss, well preserved in time.