bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Total Cell Number and its Allocation to Trophectoderm and Inner Cell Mass in In Vitro Obtained Cats' Blastocysts
Authors: Ochota M , Wojtasik B , Niżański W 
Published: March 2016

ContentsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the developmental kinetics of cats' blastocysts in connection with their morphology and blastomeres allocation to trophoblast or embryoblast cells. We examined gross blastocyst morphology and the total number of blastomeres together with its allocation to inner cell mass (ICM) or trophectoderm (TE) cells in pre‐implantation feline embryos obtained from 6th to 9th day of in vitro culture. From all the investigated embryos, 61.8% developed to early blastocyst, 37.4% to full and 7.6% to hatching blastocyst stage. The total cell number (TCN) varied form 58 cells in early day 6 to 245 in hatching day 8 blastocyst, with the mean 84.9 cells in early, 156.7 in full, and 204.4 in hatching ones. Day 8 blastocyst had the highest number of total cells, together with the highest mean number of ICM regardless of its morphological assessment. Early blastocyst (apart from day 6) had the highest number of arrested cells, while dead cells were the highest in full day 9 blastocyst. More data about the relationship between blastocyst development and morphology would facilitate the selection of optimal blastocysts for further procedures.
Association between histone hyperacetylation status in memory T lymphocytes and allergen‐induced eosinophilic airway inflammation
Authors: Zhang Hong Ping , Wang Lei , Fu Juan Juan , Fan Tao , Wang Zeng Li , Wang Gang 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackground and objectiveT lymphocytes, which are characterized by longevity and immune memory, play an important role in airway inflammation in asthma. Here, we assessed the association between immune memory and histone deacetylation and/or acetylation status.MethodsCD4 + CD45RBlow cells (memory T (Tm)) obtained from the spleens of asthma mice models were co‐cultured with glucocorticoids (GCs), trichostatin A (TSA) or anacardic acid (AA) and adoptively transferred to naïve mice. Interleukin (IL)‐4, 5 and 13 and IFN‐γ concentrations were measured in culture supernatants and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Histone deacetylase (HDAC) and histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activities and the expression of T‐bet, GATA‐3, HDACs 1–11 and alveolar eosinophilic inflammation index (AEII) were determined in lung tissues.ResultsCulture supernatants and the BALF showed similar cytokine profiles. AA and GCs significantly inhibited HAT activity (P = 0.002 and P = 0.018), whereas TSA inhibited and GCs promoted HDAC activity (P = 0.004 and P = 0.025). HDACs 7, 9 and 10 were upregulated by AA and GCs (all P < 0.032), while HDAC11 was upregulated by GCs (P = 0.028). GC‐induced inhibition of Tm histone acetylation alleviated AEII by downregulating IL‐4, 5 and 13, similar to the effect of AA.ConclusionHistone hyperacetylation status induced by low expression of HDACs 7, 9 and 10 in allergen‐specific Tm cells contributes to eosinophilic airway inflammation. The mechanism by which GCs improve airway inflammation involves the upregulation of HDACs 7, 9, 10 and 11 and especially HDAC‐10. The role of individual HDACs and AA as novel therapeutic agents for allergic asthma needs to be explored in the future.
Histopathology of removed indwelling pleural catheters from patients with malignant pleural diseases
Authors: Tobin Claire L. , Thomas Rajesh , Chai Siaw Ming , Segal Amanda , Lee Y. C. Gary 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackground and objectiveIndwelling pleural catheters (IPC), used for management of malignant pleural effusions, are often left in situ for a long duration. This study reports for the first time the histological findings of IPCs removed from patients with underlying pleural malignancy.MethodsForty‐one IPCs (in situ for median 126 days, interquartile range 43–226) that were removed over a 54‐month period from a single centre were examined.ResultsMesothelioma (n = 18) was the predominant underlying malignancy followed by breast, tubo‐ovarian and lung carcinomas. The catheter tubing was fully intact macroscopically in all IPCs. There was no evidence of direct tumour invasion or cancer cell growth on the catheter surfaces in none of the 29 IPCs that were histologically examined. Malignant cells were seen within organizing fibrinous tissues in the lumen of 11 IPCs (27%). A foreign body giant cell reaction was present at the cuff site in all the 29 IPC in which the subcutaneous cuff was examined. Acute (n = 10) and/or chronic inflammatory changes were seen in the luminal contents in all 41 IPCs.ConclusionOur study provides reassuring evidence that the IPC material does not support direct tumour growth or invasion even in the setting of high mesothelioma prevalence.See Editorial, page 787
Zircon U–Pb Geochronology, Elemental Geochemistry and Geological Implications of the Andesite of the Yixian Formation in the Tiejiangyingzi Basin in Southeastern Chifeng, China
Authors: Wang Chun‐Guang , Sun Feng‐Yue , Sun Guo‐Sheng , Li Yang , Sun Jiu‐Da , Feng Hong‐Da 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe Early Cretaceous andesite of the Yixian Formation is an ore‐host rock in the Tiejiangyingzi basin in southeastern Chifeng, China, and bears several meso‐epithermal Au deposits, such as the Nalingou and Yaogou Au deposits. The geochronology and elemental geochemistry of the Yixian Formation were investigated to reveal its metallogenic context, petrogenesis, and mineralization contribution. The 206Pb/238U ages of zircons reveals that the andesite formed at 125.5 ± 0.9 Ma. This rock belongs to calc‐alkali rock series according to its elemental geochemical analysis results (i.e., SiO2 = 63.63%–67.27%, MgO = 1.17%–1.43%, K2O = 4.07%–4.67%, Mg# = 35–41, Al2O3 = 17.16%–18.63%, Na2O = 3.35%–4.08%, Sr = (240.1–585.6) × 10‐6, Yb = (1.83–2.22) × 10‐6, Y = (13.9–23.36) × 10‐6, Na2O/K2O = 0.7–0.9, Eu/Eu* = (0.75–0.79) × 10‐6, Sr/Y = 13–27, LaN/YbN = 11–19 ). The chondrite‐normalized trace element plot shows that the andesite is enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and Yb. Thus, the residual phase of andesite volcanic rocks is a granulite suite that contains amphibole and little remaining garnet in the Tiejiangyingzi basin. It can be concluded that andesite volcanic rocks distributed in the Tiejiangyingzi basin were formed in an extensional tectonic environment during the Mesozoic orogen, and the lower crust had experienced extensive high‐temperature metamorphism and melting. This gold‐bearing lower crust is closely related to mineralization. Therefore, the conclusions of this research have an important implication for further prospecting in southeastern Chifeng, China.
Functional Mixed Effects Model for Small Area Estimation
Authors: Maiti Tapabrata , Sinha Samiran , Zhong Ping‐Shou 
Published: March 2016

AbstractFunctional data analysis has become an important area of research because of its ability of handling high‐dimensional and complex data structures. However, the development is limited in the context of linear mixed effect models and, in particular, for small area estimation. The linear mixed effect models are the backbone of small area estimation. In this article, we consider area‐level data and fit a varying coefficient linear mixed effect model where the varying coefficients are semiparametrically modelled via B‐splines. We propose a method of estimating the fixed effect parameters and consider prediction of random effects that can be implemented using a standard software. For measuring prediction uncertainties, we derive an analytical expression for the mean squared errors and propose a method of estimating the mean squared errors. The procedure is illustrated via a real data example, and operating characteristics of the method are judged using finite sample simulation studies.
The interaction between constituent year and within‐1‐year effects in elite German youth basketball
Authors: Steingröver C. , Wattie N. , Baker J. , Helsen W. F. , Schorer J. 
Published: March 2016

The current state of research on relative age effects in basketball shows an uneven picture. These mixed results might be caused by the interaction of constituent year and within‐year effects. Our aim was to examine constituent and within‐1‐year effects in elite German youth basketball. The sample (n = 4400) included players competing in the JBBL (Under‐16 first division) and the NBBL (Under‐19 first division) from 2011/2012 until 2013/2014. A multi‐way frequency analysis revealed an interaction of constituent year effects and within‐1‐year effects for the JBBL, χ2(6, 2590) = 12.76, P < 0.05. NBBL data showed significant constituent year effects, χ2(2, n = 1810) = 25.32, P < 0.01, and within‐1‐year effects for all three age bands but no interaction. The interaction between constituent year and within‐1‐year effects in the JBBL showed reduced within‐1‐year effects with increasing age. Once players enter the system in the JBBL, relatively younger players seem less likely to drop out of the system. Results offer new insight regarding how the regulations of this talent development system may influence athletes' opportunities to enter the system and their likelihood of staying at the highest levels of competition.
Impact of aerobic fitness on cerebral blood flow and cerebral vascular responsiveness to CO2 in young and older men
Authors: Braz I. D. , Flück D. , Lip G. Y. H. , Lundby C. , Fisher J. P. 
Published: March 2016

We sought to test the hypothesis that brain blood flow and cerebral vascular responsiveness to carbon dioxide (CVRCO2) are greater in aerobically trained young and old individuals compared to their untrained counterparts. In 11 young trained {[23 (20–26) years] [mean (95% confidence interval)]}, 10 young untrained [25 (22–28) years], 8 older trained [65 (61–69) years], and 9 older untrained [67 (64–71) years] healthy individuals, Doppler ultrasound of the internal carotid (ICA) and vertebral (VA) artery blood flow were determined, along with middle cerebral artery mean flow velocity (MCA Vmean). Bilateral ICA blood flow was higher in trained individuals when compared to untrained (≈31%, P < 0.05), but was not influenced by age. VA blood flow was not affected by age or cardiorespiratory fitness. MCA Vmean was reduced with age [59.5 (55.0–64.1) cm/s young vs 43.6 (38.4–48.9) cm/s old, P < 0.05] with no significant effect of training observed. MCA CVRCO2 were not significantly affected by either age or training status, while ICA CVRCO2 tended to be elevated in the old trained group. These findings indicate that endurance training enhances bilateral ICA but not VA blood flow in both young and older individuals.
Adaptable texture‐based segmentation by variance and intensity for automatic detection of semitranslucent and pink blush areas in basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kefel S. , Pelin Kefel S. , LeAnder R. W. , Kaur R. , Kasmi R. , Mishra N. K. , Rader R. K. , Cole J. G. , Woolsey Z. T. , Stoecker W. V. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundPink blush is a common feature in basal cell carcinoma (BCC). A related feature, semitranslucency, appears as smooth pink or orange regions resembling skin color. We introduce an automatic method for detection of these features based on smoothness and brightness. We also introduce a neighborhood correction method for texture area correction.MethodsSmoothness and brightness were analyzed over four bands: luminance, red, green, and blue, then merged using variance‐based dynamic thresholding. Dermoscopic images of 100 biopsy‐proven BCCs and 254 competitive benign mimics were used to train the algorithm. Sixteen color and texture features were extracted from the automatically detected areas. The confusion matrix for the algorithm showed 15 classification errors in the training set for the 354 images: three errors in the BCC set and 12 errors in the benign set.ResultsLogistic regression analysis on a separate 1024‐image test set was able to achieve good separation of BCC from benign lesions with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) of 0.878 and 0.877 using manually‐created and automatically‐generated BCC border masks, respectively.ConclusionThis pilot study indicates that automatic detection of semitranslucent and pink blush areas in BCC is feasible using colors and first‐order texture statistics.
Allergic reactions in red tattoos: Raman spectroscopy for ‘fingerprint’ detection of chemical risk spectra in tattooed skin and culprit tattoo inks
Authors: Hutton Carlsen K. , Køcks M. , Sepehri M. , Serup J. 
Published: March 2016

AimThe aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of Raman spectroscopy as a screening technique for chemical characterisation of tattoo pigments in pathologic reacting tattoos and tattoo ink stock products to depict unsafe pigments and metabolites of pigments.Materials/MethodsTwelve dermatome shave biopsies from allergic reactions in red tattoos were analysed with Raman spectroscopy (A 785‐nm 300 mW diode laser). These were referenced to samples of 10 different standard tattoo ink stock products, three of these identified as the culprit inks used by the tattooist and thus by history the source of the allergy. Three primary aromatic amine (PAA) laboratory standards (aniline, o‐anisidine and 3,3′‐dichlorobenzidine) were also studied.ResultsApplication of Raman spectroscopy to the shave biopsies was technically feasible. In addition, all ten inks and the three PAA standards could be discriminated. 10/12 shave biopsies provided clear fingerprint Raman signals which differed significantly from background skin, and Raman spectra from 8/12 biopsies perfectly matched spectra from the three culprit ink products. The spectrum of one red ink (a low cost product named ‘Tattoo’, claimed to originate from Taiwan, no other info on label) was identified in 5/12 biopsies. Strong indications of the inks ‘Bright Red’ and ‘Crimson Red’ were seen in three biopsies. The three PAA's could not be unambiguously identified.ConclusionThis study, although on a small‐scale, demonstrated Raman spectroscopy to be feasible for chemical analysis of red pigments in allergic reactions. Raman spectroscopy has a major potential for fingerprint screening of problematic tattoo pigments in situ in skin, ex vivo in skin biopsies and in tattoo ink stock products, thus, to eliminate unsafe ink products from markets.
Heartwood‐specific transcriptome and metabolite signatures of tropical sandalwood (Santalum album) reveal the final step of (Z)‐santalol fragrance biosynthesis
Authors: Celedon Jose M. , Chiang Angela , Yuen Macaire M.S. , Diaz‐Chavez Maria L. , Madilao Lufiani L. , Finnegan Patrick M. , Barbour Elizabeth L. , Bohlmann Jörg 
Published: March 2016

SummaryTropical sandalwood (Santalum album) produces one of the world's most highly prized fragrances, which is extracted from mature heartwood. However, in some places such as southern India, natural populations of this slow‐growing tree are threatened by over‐exploitation. Sandalwood oil contains four major and fragrance‐defining sesquiterpenols: (Z)‐α‐santalol, (Z)‐β‐santalol, (Z)‐epi‐β‐santalol and (Z)‐α‐exo‐bergamotol. The first committed step in their biosynthesis is catalyzed by a multi‐product santalene/bergamotene synthase. Sandalwood cytochromes P450 of the CYP76F sub‐family were recently shown to hydroxylate santalenes and bergamotene; however, these enzymes produced mostly (E)‐santalols and (E)‐α‐exo‐bergamotol. We hypothesized that different santalene/bergamotene hydroxylases evolved in S. album to stereo‐selectively produce (E)‐ or (Z)‐sesquiterpenols, and that genes encoding (Z)‐specific P450s contribute to sandalwood oil formation if co‐expressed in the heartwood with upstream genes of sesquiterpene biosynthesis. This hypothesis was validated by the discovery of a heartwood‐specific transcriptome signature for sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis, including highly expressed SaCYP736A167 transcripts. We characterized SaCYP736A167 as a multi‐substrate P450, which stereo‐selectively produces (Z)‐α‐santalol, (Z)‐β‐santalol, (Z)‐epi‐β‐santalol and (Z)‐α‐exo‐bergamotol, matching authentic sandalwood oil. This work completes the discovery of the biosynthetic enzymes of key components of sandalwood fragrance, and highlights the evolutionary diversification of stereo‐selective P450s in sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis. Bioengineering of microbial systems using SaCYP736A167, combined with santalene/bergamotene synthase, has potential for development of alternative industrial production systems for sandalwood oil fragrances.
Bacterial microcompartments as metabolic modules for plant synthetic biology
Authors: Gonzalez‐Esquer C. Raul , Newnham Sarah E. , Kerfeld Cheryl A. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryBacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are megadalton‐sized protein assemblies that enclose segments of metabolic pathways within cells. They increase the catalytic efficiency of the encapsulated enzymes while sequestering volatile or toxic intermediates from the bulk cytosol. The first BMCs discovered were the carboxysomes of cyanobacteria. Carboxysomes compartmentalize the enzyme ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) with carbonic anhydrase. They enhance the carboxylase activity of RuBisCO by increasing the local concentration of CO2 in the vicinity of the enzyme's active site. As a metabolic module for carbon fixation, carboxysomes could be transferred to eukaryotic organisms (e.g. plants) to increase photosynthetic efficiency. Within the scope of synthetic biology, carboxysomes and other BMCs hold even greater potential when considered a source of building blocks for the development of nanoreactors or three‐dimensional scaffolds to increase the efficiency of either native or heterologously expressed enzymes. The carboxysome serves as an ideal model system for testing approaches to engineering BMCs because their expression in cyanobacteria provides a sensitive screen for form (appearance of polyhedral bodies) and function (ability to grow on air). We recount recent progress in the re‐engineering of the carboxysome shell and core to offer a conceptual framework for the development of BMC‐based architectures for applications in plant synthetic biology.
The Global Economic Crisis and The Effect of Immigrant Workers on Native‐born Employment in Europe
Authors: Fromentin Vincent , Damette Olivier , Zou Benteng 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe debate regarding the economic effects of employing immigrants has attracted renewed interest in European countries since the economic crisis. We provide an approximation of the labour market effects of immigrant workers in four European countries during the global economic crisis after briefly analysing native and foreign‐born worker conditions for the most recent period. Our analysis focuses on the correlation between the stock of immigrant workers and the number of native labour market workers across several segments of the labour market using a simple model approach. Using Eurostat and LFS (Labour Force Survey) data, we estimate a structural dynamic model using the generalised method of moments (GMM) to examine adjustment dynamics in the labour market and labour market segment and worker educational levels, countries of origin and genders. Overall, the empirical results suggest that immigrant labour force effects on native‐born worker employment rates have been persistent and but weak throughout the business cycle. These effects are globally positive, and immigrant origins do not appear to change the nature of their impact. We offer some explanations for these findings related to dual labour markets and to differences in levels of substitution among native and immigrant workers.
Thromboelastographic evidence of inhibition of fibrinolysis after ε‐aminocaproic acid administration in a dog with suspected acute traumatic coagulopathy
Authors: Yoo Seung H. , Venn Emilee , Sullivan Lauren A. , Olver Christine S. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the thromboelastographic changes in fibrinolysis with ε‐aminocaproic acid treatment in a dog with suspected acute traumatic coagulopathy.Case SummaryA 9‐year‐old female spayed Airedale Terrier was presented with multiple injuries consistent with motor vehicle trauma. After surgical repair of a diaphragmatic hernia and minor laceration of the right cranial lung lobe, the dog continued to produce copious volumes of hemorrhagic fluid from the thoracic cavity despite multiple plasma transfusions, autotransfusions, and failure to locate a definitive source of bleeding during 2 separate surgeries. ε‐Aminocaproic acid treatment was initiated and was associated with rapid clinical improvement and diminished fibrinolysis based on a modified plasma‐based thromboelastogram.New or Unique Information ProvidedThis report describes thromboelastographic evidence of inhibition of fibrinolysis after ε‐aminocaproic acid administration in a dog with suspected acute traumatic coagulopathy. Thromboelastrography may be useful in monitoring therapy with antifibrinolytic drugs.
Inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress improves coronary artery function in type 2 diabetic mice
Authors: Choi Soo‐Kyoung , Lim Mihwa , Yeon Soo‐In , Lee Young‐Ho 
Published: March 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been reported to be involved in type 2 diabetes; however, the role of exacerbated ER stress in vascular dysfunction in type 2 diabetes remains unknown.

What is the main finding and its importance?
The main findings of this study are that ER stress is increased in the coronary arteries in type 2 diabetes, and inhibition of ER stress using taurine‐conjugated ursodeoxycholic acid improves vascular function, which is associated with normalization of the myogenic response and endothelium‐dependent relaxation.

Vascular dysfunction is a major complication in type 2 diabetes. Although endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been suggested to be a contributory factor in cardiovascular diseases, the relationship between ER stress and vascular dysfunction in type 2 diabetes remains unclear. Thus, in the present study, we examined whether ER stress contributes to coronary artery dysfunction and whether inhibition of ER stress ameliorates vascular function in type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetic mice and their control counterparts were treated with an ER stress inhibitor (taurine‐conjugated ursodeoxycholic acid, 150 mg kg−1 day−1, by i.p. injection) for 2 weeks or not treated. The myogenic response and endothelium‐dependent relaxation were measured in pressurized coronary arteries. In type 2 diabetic mice, blood glucose and body weight were elevated compared with control mice. The myogenic response was potentiated and endothelium‐dependent relaxation impaired in coronary arteries from the type 2 diabetic mice. Interestingly, treatment with the ER stress inhibitor normalized the myogenic responses and endothelium‐dependent relaxation. These data were associated with an increase in ER stress marker expression or phosphorylation (IRE1‐XBP‐1 and PERK‐eIF2α) in type 2 diabetic mice, which were reduced by treatment with the ER stress inhibitor. Inhibition of ER stress normalizes the myogenic response and improves vascular function in type 2 diabetes. Therefore, ER stress could be a potential target for cardiovascular diseases in diabetes mellitus.