bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Species traits and interaction rules shape a species‐rich seed‐dispersal interaction network
Authors: Sebastián‐González Esther , Pires Mathias M. , Donatti Camila I. , Guimarães Paulo R. , Dirzo Rodolfo 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSpecies phenotypic traits affect the interaction patterns and the organization of seed‐dispersal interaction networks. Understanding the relationship between species characteristics and network structure help us understand the assembly of natural communities and how communities function. Here, we examine how species traits may affect the rules leading to patterns of interaction among plants and fruit‐eating vertebrates. We study a species‐rich seed‐dispersal system using a model selection approach to examine whether the rules underlying network structure are driven by constraints in fruit resource exploitation, by preferential consumption of fruits by the frugivores, or by a combination of both. We performed analyses for the whole system and for bird and mammal assemblages separately, and identified the animal and plant characteristics shaping interaction rules. The structure of the analyzed interaction network was better explained by constraints in resource exploitation in the case of birds and by preferential consumption of fruits with specific traits for mammals. These contrasting results when looking at bird–plant and mammal–plant interactions suggest that the same type of interaction is organized by different processes depending on the assemblage we focus on. Size‐related restrictions of the interacting species (both for mammals and birds) were the most important factors driving the interaction rules. Our results suggest that the structure of seed‐dispersal interaction networks can be explained using species traits and interaction rules related to simple ecological mechanisms.
Exercise training in Diastolic Heart Failure (Ex‐DHF): rationale and design of a multicentre, prospective, randomized, controlled, parallel group trial
Authors: Edelmann Frank , Bobenko Anna , Gelbrich Götz , Hasenfuss Gerd , Herrmann‐Lingen Christoph , Duvinage André , Schwarz Silja , Mende Meinhard , Prettin Christiane , Trippel Tobias , Lindhorst Ruhdja , Morris Daniel , Pieske‐Kraigher Elisabeth , Nolte Kathleen , Düngen Hans‐Dirk , Wachter Rolf , Halle Martin , Pieske Burkert 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHeart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a common disease with high incidence and increasing prevalence. Patients suffer from functional limitation, poor health‐related quality of life, and reduced prognosis. A pilot study in a smaller group of HFpEF patients showed that structured, supervised exercise training (ET) improves maximal exercise capacity, diastolic function, and physical quality of life. However, the long‐term effects of ET on patient‐related outcomes remain unclear in HFpEF. The primary objective of the Exercise training in Diastolic Heart Failure (Ex‐DHF) trial is to investigate whether a 12 month supervised ET can improve a clinically meaningful composite outcome score in HFpEF patients. Components of the outcome score are all‐cause mortality, hospitalizations, NYHA functional class, global self‐rated health, maximal exercise capacity, and diastolic function. After undergoing baseline assessments to determine whether ET can be performed safely, 320 patients at 11 trial sites with stable HFpEF are randomized 1:1 to supervised ET in addition to usual care or to usual care alone. Patients randomized to ET perform supervised endurance/resistance ET (3 times/week at a certified training centre) for 12 months. At baseline and during follow‐up, anthropometry, echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and health‐related quality of life evaluation are performed. Blood samples are collected to examine various biomarkers. Overall physical activity, training sessions, and adherence are monitored and documented throughout the study using patient diaries, heart rate monitors, and accelerometers. The Ex‐DHF trial is the first multicentre trial to assess the long‐term effects of a supervised ET programme on different outcome measures in patients with HFpEF.
Influence of zinc borate on flame retardant and thermal properties of polyurethane elastomer composites containing huntite‐hydromagnesite mineral
Authors: Dike Ali Sinan , Tayfun Umit , Dogan Mehmet 
Published: May 2017

SummaryThe effect of zinc borate (ZnB) was studied on the flame retardant and thermal properties of thermoplastic polyurethane containing huntite‐hydromagnesite. The flame retardant properties of thermoplastic polyurethane–based composites were investigated using limiting oxygen index, vertical burning test (UL 94), thermogravimetric analysis, and mass loss calorimeter. No remarkable effect of ZnB was observed on the flammability properties of composites. UL 94 rating did not change regardless of the added amount of ZnB, and the slight increase in limiting oxygen index value was observed at ratio of 1:1. The adjuvant effect of ZnB was observed during the mass loss calorimeter studies by increasing the barrier effect of the residue in the condensed phase and by increasing the formation of incombustible gasses in the gas phase. The highest fire performance was achieved at ratio of 1:1.
A matter of life and death: substance‐caused and substance‐related fatalities in Ibiza in 2015
Authors: Santacroce Rita , Ruiz Bennasar Claudia , Sancho Jaraiz Juan Ramon , Fiori Federica , Sarchione Fabiola , Angelini Federica , Catalano Gabriella , Carenti Maria Luisa , Corkery John Martin , Schifano Fabrizio , Di Giannantonio Massimo , Martinotti Giovanni 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectives and methodsIn the framework of the EU‐funded project “EU‐Madness,” we collected and analysed all the reports of fatalities directly or indirectly related to substances of abuse registered in Ibiza from January to September 2015, in order to analyse the characteristics of the sample, the identified substances, and the nature of deaths associated with their consumption.ResultsA significant increase of substance‐caused deaths with respect to the previous 4 years has been highlighted. Most of the subjects were young males, more than half were not Spanish. Males prevailed also amongst the victims of traffic accidents and suicides. The most commonly involved substances included MDMA, alcohol, cocaine, THC, opiates and prescription drugs.ConclusionsAlthough the use of NPS is rapidly increasing in Europe, according to the results from our sample, alcohol and well‐known stimulants (MDMA and cocaine) are still the substances of abuse mainly involved in the cases of substance‐caused and substance‐related fatalities. The significant increase of fatalities in Ibiza in the last 5 years is an issue that must be taken into account and should be better investigated, as other theories besides NPS‐increased diffusion should be proposed, and therefore, targeted prevention strategies should be designed.
Two‐photon imaging of fiber‐coupled neurons
Authors: Pochechuev M.S. , Fedotov I.V. , Ivashkina O.I. , Roshchina M.A. , Anokhin K.V. , Zheltikov A.M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractOptical coupling between a single, individually addressable neuron and a properly designed optical fiber is demonstrated. Two‐photon imaging is shown to enable a quantitative in situ analysis of such fiber–single‐neuron coupling in the live brain of transgenic mice. Fiber‐optic interrogation of single pyramidal neurons in mouse brain cortex is performed with the positioning of the fiber probe relative to the neuron accurately mapped by means of two‐photon imaging. These results pave the way for fiber‐optic interfaces to single neurons for a stimulation and interrogation of individually addressable brain cells in chronic in vivo studies on freely behaving transgenic animal models, as well as the integration of fiber‐optic single‐neuron stimulation into the optical imaging framework.
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FSOCA‐induced switchable footpad skin optical clearing window for blood flow and cell imaging in vivo
Authors: Shi Rui , Feng Wei , Zhang Chao , Zhang Zhihong , Zhu Dan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe mouse footpad for its feature of hairlessness provides an available window for imaging vascular and cellular structure and function in vivo. Unfortunately, the strong scattering of its skin limits the penetration of light and reduces the imaging contrast and depth. Herein, an innovative footpad skin optical clearing agent (FSOCA) was developed to make the footpad skin transparent quickly by topical application. The results demonstrate that FSOCA treatment not only allowed the cutaneous blood vessels and blood flow distribution to be monitored by laser speckle contrast imaging technique with higher contrast, but also permitted the fluorescent cells to be imaged by laser scanning confocal microscopy with higher fluorescence signal intensity and larger imaging depth. In addition, the physiological saline‐treatment could make the footpad skin recover to the initial turbid status, and reclearing would not induce any adverse effects on the distributions and morphologies of blood vessels and cells, which demonstrated a safe and switchable window for biomedical imaging. This switchable footpad skin optical clearing window will be significant for studying blood flow dynamics and cellular immune function in vivo in some vascular and immunological diseases. Picture: Repeated cell imaging in vivo before (a) and after (b) FSOCA treatment. (c) Merged images of 4 h (cyan border) or 72 h (magenta border) over 0 h. (d) Zoom of ROI in 4 h (yellow rectangle) or 72 h (red rectangle).
mTORC1 Inhibits NF-κB/NFATc1 Signaling and Prevents Osteoclast Precursor Differentiation, In Vitro and In Mice
Authors: Zhang Yue , Xu Song , Li Kai , Tan Kang , Liang Kangyan , Wang Jian , Shen Junhui , Zou Wenchong , Hu Le , Cai Daozhang , Ding Changhai , Li Mangmang , Xiao Guozhi , Liu Bin , Liu Anling , Bai Xiaochun 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a critical sensor for bone homeostasis and bone formation; however, the role of mTORC1 in osteoclast development and the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully established. Here, we found that mTORC1 activity declined during osteoclast precursors differentiation in vitro and in vivo. We further targeted deletion of Raptor (mTORC1 key component) or Tsc1 (mTORC1 negative regulator) to constitutively inhibit or activate mTORC1 in osteoclast precursors (monocytes/macrophages), using LyzM-cre mice. Osteoclastic formation was drastically increased in cultures of Raptor deficient bone marrow monocytes/macrophages (BMMs), and Raptor-deficient mice displayed osteopenia with enhanced osteoclastogenesis. Conversely, BMMs lacking Tsc1 exhibited a severe defect in osteoclast-like differentiation and absorptive function, both of which were restored following rapamycin treatment. Importantly, expression of nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), transcription factors that are essential for osteoclast differentiation was negatively regulated by mTORC1 in osteoclast lineages. These results provide evidence that mTORC1 plays as a critical role as an osteoclastic differentiation-limiting signal and suggest a potential drawback in treating bone loss–related diseases with mTOR inhibitors clinically. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Proposal of size‐based surgical indication criteria for liver hemangioma based on a nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Kokudo Norihiro , Watadani Takeyuki , Shibahara Junji , Yamamoto Masakazu , Yamaue Hiroki ,   the Japanese Society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundSurgical indications for liver hemangioma remain unclear.MethodsOf 510 patients undergoing surgical resection for liver hemangioma in 118 Japanese centers between 1998 and 2012, abdominal symptoms, diagnostic accuracy, and surgical outcomes were analyzed to propose size‐based surgical indications. Patients were classified into four groups based on tumor size: Group A ≤5 cm (n = 122, 24%), Group B 5–10 cm (n = 164, 32%), Group C 10–15 cm (n = 124, 24%), and Group D >15 cm (n = 100, 20%).ResultsHemangiomas in Group A were most frequently diagnosed as malignant tumors (43.5%) due to the absence of typical imaging findings and with highest incidence of positive HBV (15.7%). Diagnostic accuracy was 98.4% in Groups B to D. Liver failure after hepatectomy was higher in Group D than in Groups A to C (3.0% vs. 0.5%, P = 0.02). Only one operative death was observed (0.2%) in Group D.ConclusionsIn patients with ≤5 cm hemangioma, surgical resection can be indicated when a malignant tumor cannot be ruled out. However, surgery for 5–10 cm asymptomatic hemangiomas should be limited. Experienced hepatic surgeons should conduct hepatectomy for tumors >15 cm to avoid serious morbidity or mortality.
Activated FGFR3 prevents subchondral bone sclerosis during the development of osteoarthritis in transgenic mice with achondroplasia
Authors: Okura Toshiaki , Matsushita Masaki , Mishima Kenichi , Esaki Ryusaku , Seki Taisuke , Ishiguro Naoki , Kitoh Hiroshi 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study is to investigate the morphometric changes of the subchondral bone during the development of osteoarthritis (OA) in transgenic mice with achondroplasia (Fgfr3ach) carrying a heterozygous gain‐of‐function mutation in Fgfr3. Two OA models (spontaneously developed with age: The aging model, and surgically induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus: The DMM model) were established. Articular cartilage, epiphysis, and metaphysis of the knee joint were histologically and morphometrically compared between wild‐type mice, and Fgfr3ach mice in both OA models. Articular cartilage degeneration was scored according to the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scoring system. Several morphometric parameters including bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV), trabecular bone thickness (Tb.Th), and subchondral bone thickness in the medial tibial plateau (MTP) (Sb.Th med) were quantified by micro‐computed tomography (CT). In the aging model, although there were no significant differences in the OARSI score between wild‐type mice and Fgfr3ach mice, Sb.Th med and Tb.Th in the epiphysis significantly increased in wild‐type mice. In the DMM model, the OARSI score of the medial compartment was significantly lower in Fgfr3ach mice than in wild‐type mice. BMD, BV/TV, and Tb.Th in the epiphysis increased in wild‐type mice and unchanged in Fgfr3ach mice, and the Sb.Th med was significantly larger in wild‐type mice after surgery. Subchondral sclerosis, which preceded the cartilage degeneration, was inhibited in Fgfr3ach mice. Activated FGFR3 signaling prevented sclerotic changes of the subchondral bone and subsequent cartilage degeneration. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:300–308, 2018.
KMT2B rare missense variants in generalized dystonia
Authors: Zech Michael , Jech Robert , Havránková Petra , Fečíková Anna , Berutti Riccardo , Urgošík Dušan , Kemlink David , Strom Tim M. , Roth Jan , Růžička Evžen , Winkelmann Juliane 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTBackground: Recently a novel syndrome of childhood‐onset generalized dystonia originating from mutations in lysine‐specific methyltransferase 2B (KMT2B) has been reported.Methods: We sequenced the exomes of 4 generalized dystonia‐affected probands recruited from a Prague movement disorders center (Czech Republic). Bioinformatics analyses were conducted to select candidate causal variants in described dystonia‐mutated genes. After cosegregation testing, checklists from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics were adopted to judge variant pathogenicity.Results: Three novel, predicted protein‐damaging missense variants in KMT2B were identified (p.Glu1234Lys, p.Ala1541Val, p.Arg1779Gln). Meeting pathogenicity criteria, p.Glu1234Lys was absent from population‐based controls, situated in a key protein domain, and had occurred de novo. The associated phenotype comprised adolescence‐onset generalized isolated dystonia with prominent speech impairment. Although linked to a similar clinical expression, p.Ala1541Val and p.Arg1779Gln remained of uncertain significance.Conclusions: Rare missense variation in KMT2B represents an additional cause of generalized dystonia. Application of sequence interpretation standards is required before assigning pathogenicity to a KMT2B missense variant. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Phase I study of perifosine monotherapy in patients with recurrent or refractory neuroblastoma
Authors: Matsumoto Kimikazu , Shichino Hiroyuki , Kawamoto Hiroshi , Kosaka Yoshiyuki , Chin Motoaki , Kato Koji , Mugishima Hideo 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPurposePerifosine is an alkylphospholipid analog that inhibits or modulates signaling through signal transduction pathways such as Akt, which is enhanced in neuroblastoma (NB) by activation of tyrosine kinase receptors. We conducted a phase I study of perifosine in Japanese patients with recurrent or refractory NB.Experimental DesignAll patients enrolled were over 2 years of age; all had refractory or relapsed NB and a performance status of greater than 50%. Perifosine was orally administered at a loading dose (100–300 mg) on day 1 and at a maintenance dose (50–150 mg) from day 2 onward. Dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT) and pharmacokinetics were assessed in Step 1 and safety and efficacy in Step 2.ResultsNineteen patients were recruited. No DLT was observed. Adverse reactions occurring in more than 30% of the patients were vomiting (63%), nausea (53%), and diarrhea (37%). The mean plasma concentration of perifosine was 27.5 ± 9.8 M on day 15 and 27.3 ± 11.5 M on day 29. The response rate (RR) in 18 patients evaluable according to modified International Neuroblastoma Response Criteria was 0%; the disease control rate (DCR) was 56%. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 122 days. In 11 patients evaluable according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, the RR and DCR were 9% and 55%, respectively. The median PFS was not reached.ConclusionsPerifosine monotherapy was well tolerated in Japanese patients with recurrent/refractory NB. Further investigations in combination with other anticancer or molecular targeted agents are warranted.
Clinical case series of pediatric hepatic angiosarcoma
Authors: Grassia Kalee L. , Peterman Caitlin M. , Iacobas Ionela , Margolin Judith F. , Bien Ewa , Padhye Bhavna , Meyers Rebecka L. , Adams Denise M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHepatic angiosarcoma is a rare, aggressive, malignant neoplasm with fewer than 50 cases reported in children. Prognosis is poor, with a minority surviving beyond 2 years after diagnosis. We report eight cases of pediatric hepatic angiosarcoma, diagnosed at a mean age of 3 years. Seven were initially diagnosed with an infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma (IHHE) or hemangioma and the eighth with a “vascular tumor.” Two patients, who received liver transplant, survived. We suggest hepatic hemangiomas can rarely transform into angiosarcomas and a subset of IHHEs (Type II) are actually a low‐grade form of angiosarcoma rather than a benign lesion.
Association of outcomes and anti‐Xa levels in the treatment of pediatric venous thromboembolism
Authors: Fan Jennifer L. , Roberts Laura E. , Scheurer Michael E. , Yee Donald L. , Shah Mona D. , Lee‐Kim YoungNa J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundThere are few data in the pediatric population evaluating the relationship between measured anti‐Xa levels during enoxaparin therapy and thrombotic outcomes.ObjectiveTo determine whether there is a difference in outcomes in children who receive enoxaparin with mean anti‐Xa levels between 0.45 and 0.79 unit/ml (low therapeutic range) versus between 0.80 and 1.05 unit/ml (high therapeutic range) throughout their course of their treatment.MethodsWe retrospectively identified subjects with uncomplicated venous thromboembolism treated with enoxaparin.ResultsOf 69 patients with any response to therapy, 48 (70%) had mean anti‐Xa levels in the low therapeutic range and 21 (30%) had mean anti‐Xa levels in the high therapeutic range. Of 20 patients with no documented response to therapy, 13 (65%) had mean anti‐Xa levels in the low therapeutic range and 7 (35%) had mean anti‐Xa levels in the high therapeutic range. Forty‐eight (79%) of the 61 patients with low‐range mean anti‐Xa level had any response to therapy. Twenty‐one (75%) of the 28 patients with high‐range mean anti‐Xa level had any response to therapy. Chi‐square test (P = 0.080) and logistic regression (OR = 1.23, P = 0.70) demonstrated no significant association between mean anti‐Xa range (lower vs. upper) and therapy response.ConclusionsThere was no statistically significant difference between low‐range versus high‐range mean anti‐Xa levels and thrombus resolution. Empiric clinical practices of targeting anti‐Xa levels in the higher therapeutic range to achieve better outcomes may not be warranted.
Association between CYP4F2 genotype and circulating plasma vitamin K concentration in children on chronic warfarin therapy: Possible long‐term implications for bone development and vascular health
Authors: Kampouraki Emmanouela , Avery Peter J. , Biss Tina , Kamali Farhad 
Published: May 2017

AbstractVitamin K is essential, for the activation of clotting proteins, as well as the biosynthesis of osteocalcin in bones and the activation of matrix‐Gla protein needed in maintaining vasculature health. Cytochrome p450 4F2 (CYP4F2) enzyme is involved in vitamin K catabolism. Genetic polymorphism in CYP4F2 is thus likely to affect vitamin K systemic availability. We show that children on chronic warfarin therapy have low levels of vitamin K and vitamin K levels are linked to CYP4F2 genotype. Long‐term low levels of vitamin K, influenced by CYP4F2 genotype, might affect bone development and vascular health in children on chronic warfarin therapy.
Experimental evaluation and modeling of thermal conductivity of tetrafunctional epoxy resin containing different carbon nanostructures
Authors: Romano Vittorio , Naddeo Carlo , Vertuccio Luigi , Lafdi Khalid , Guadagno Liberata 
Published: May 2017

This study attempts to investigate the thermal conductivity behavior of epoxy nanocomposites containing different types of nanofillers, such as 1‐D Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) and 2‐D predominant shape of Exfoliated Graphite nanoparticles (EG) at loading level from 0.25 to 3% wt. For all the analyzed epoxy nanocomposites calorimetric investigation shows that EG nanoparticles accelerate the curing process of the epoxy resin. Thermal conductivity measurements show that this acceleration is directly related to the better heat conduction obtained through the incorporation of EG in the epoxy matrix. The thermal conductivity of epoxy nanocomposites filled with EG, unlike of epoxy nanocomposites containing MWCNTs, increases significantly with increasing content of nanofiller. An increase in thermal conductivity of ∼ 300% has been detected for a filler percentage of only 3%wt of EG.The application of Deng‐Zheng micromechanical model has proven to be very effective in predicting analytically the thermal conductivity of the analyzed nanocomposites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:779–786, 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers