bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced TCR‐dependent activation through citrullination of a T‐cell epitope enhances Th17 development by disruption of the STAT3/5 balance
Authors: Tibbitt Christopher , Falconer Jane , Stoop Jeroen , van Eden Willem , Robinson John H. , Hilkens Catharien M.U. 
Published: May 2016

Citrullination is a post‐translational modification of arginine that commonly occurs in inflammatory tissues. Because T‐cell receptor (TCR) signal quantity and quality can regulate T‐cell differentiation, citrullination within a T‐cell epitope has potential implications for T‐cell effector function. Here, we investigated how citrullination of an immunedominant T‐cell epitope affected Th17 development. Murine naïve CD4+ T cells with a transgenic TCR recognising p89‐103 of the G1 domain of aggrecan (agg) were co‐cultured with syngeneic bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BMDC) presenting the native or citrullinated peptides. In the presence of pro‐Th17 cytokines, the peptide citrullinated on residue 93 (R93Cit) significantly enhanced Th17 development whilst impairing the Th2 response, compared to the native peptide. T cells responding to R93Cit produced less IL‐2, expressed lower levels of the IL‐2 receptor subunit CD25, and showed reduced STAT5 phosphorylation, whilst STAT3 activation was unaltered. IL‐2 blockade in native p89‐103‐primed T cells enhanced the phosphorylated STAT3/STAT5 ratio, and concomitantly enhanced Th17 development. Our data illustrate how a post‐translational modification of a TCR contact point may promote Th17 development by altering the balance between STAT5 and STAT3 activation in responding T cells, and provide new insight into how protein citrullination may influence effector Th‐cell development in inflammatory disorders.
Electrochemical Fabrication of Cobalt Oxides/Nanoporous Gold Composite Electrode and its Nonenzymatic Glucose Sensing Performance
Authors: Zhou Chaohui , Tang Xueyong , Xia Yue , Li Zelin 
Published: May 2016

AbstractA nonenzymatic glucose sensor was successfully established by electrochemically decorating cobalt oxides (CoOx) on a nanoporous gold electrode (NPG) using cobalt hexacyanoferrate (CoHCF) as a precursor. It exhibited high sensitivity and long‐term stability as well as satisfactory quantification of glucose concentration in human serum samples. The morphology and surface analysis of the resulting CoOx/NPG were carefully characterized. Two detection methods, cyclic voltammetry and amperometry, were employed to evaluate the performance of CoOx/NPG towards glucose sensing in alkaline solution. Using cyclic voltammetry, at −0.5 V, the glucose partial oxidation peak current is linear to the glucose concentration up to 14 mM with a sensitivity of 283.7 µA mM−1 cm−2. A linear amperometric response at 0.55 V was obtained in the glucose concentration range from 2 µM to 2 mM with a sensitivity of 2025 µA mM−1 cm−2 and a response time <3 s.
Reactivity of CaO with CO2 in molten CaF2–NaF: formation and decomposition of carbonates
Authors: Tomkute Viktorija , Solheim Asbjørn , Sakirzanovas Simas , Olsen Espen 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe characteristics of CO2 reacting with CaO in a molten eutectic mixture of CaF2 and NaF has been investigated. Calculations of the Gibbs free energy, temperature analysis of the decomposition of the formed carbonates, and XRD analyses of quenched samples taken during CO2 absorption or desorption were employed to identify the phases present in the melt. Efficient CO2 absorption from a simulated flue gas was observed, due to a combined reaction where CaO initially reacts with CO2 and forms CaCO3. Subsequently, Na2CO3 is formed by an ion exchange reaction between CaCO3 and NaF. It was found that the CaO activity is highest in the temperature range 826–834°C. Increasing the CaO concentration from 5 to 20 wt% in the molten salt resulted in reduced CO2 reactivity efficiency, probably because of precipitation and agglomeration of the sorbent. The total carbonation conversion was independent of the CO2 concentration in the inlet gas, and the sorbent carrying capacity was in the range 0.722–0.743 g CO2/g CaO corresponding to 0.037–0.144 g CO2/g total liquid. Decarbonation was conducted by raising the temperature. 40% conversion back to CaO was recorded at 1160°C. The recorded curves for the CO2 concentration in the outlet gas exhibited a rapid desorption step followed by a slow step.
Accelerated ageing of SR‐562 pyrotechnic composition and investigation of its thermo kinetic parameters
Authors: Babar Zaheer‐ud‐din , Malik Abdul Qadeer 
Published: May 2016

SummaryPyrotechnics are used to produce some special effects in various military and civilian applications. High temperatures and elevated humidity levels influence the thermal decomposition and kinetic behaviour of pyrotechnics. The present work describes the effect of ageing on SR‐562 military pyrotechnic composition. The composition contains magnesium, sodium nitrate and calcium oxalate and it is used as a flare. The composition was aged for 30 days at a temperature of 70 °C and relative humidity (RH) of 70%. The experimental results show noteworthy variations in the thermal cum kinetic behaviour as well as in the morphology of the aged composition. Activation energy of the aged composition decreased to 189 kJ mol−1 from 239 kJ mol−1 for the fresh composition. Thermal decomposition temperature was found to increase by 51 °C after the ageing. X‐ray diffraction results confirm the presence of magnesium hydroxide in the aged composition showing that some of the magnesium reacted with water vapours at high temperatures. Some micro sized cracks have been seen in the scanning electron microscopy micrographs of the aged composition. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High fluence light emitting diode‐generated red light modulates characteristics associated with skin fibrosis
Authors: Mamalis Andrew , Koo Eugene , Garcha Manveer , Murphy William J. , Isseroff R. Rivkah , Jagdeo Jared 
Published: May 2016

Skin fibrosis, often referred to as skin scarring, is a significant international health problem with limited treatment options. The hallmarks of skin fibrosis are increased fibroblast proliferation, collagen production, and migration speed. Recently published clinical observations indicate that visible red light may improve skin fibrosis. In this study we hypothesize that high‐fluence light‐emitting diode‐generated red light (HF‐LED‐RL) modulates the key cellular features of skin fibrosis by decreasing cellular proliferation, collagen production, and migration speed of human skin fibroblasts. Herein, we demonstrate that HF‐LED‐RL increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation for up to 4 hours, inhibits fibroblast proliferation without increasing apoptosis, inhibits collagen production, and inhibits migration speed through modulation of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. We demonstrate that HF‐LED‐RL is capable of inhibiting the unifying cellular processes involved in skin fibrosis including fibroblast proliferation, collagen production, and migration speed. These findings suggest that HF‐LED‐RL may represent a new approach to treat skin fibrosis. LED advantages include low cost, portability, and ease of use. Further characterizing the photobiomodulatory effects of HF‐LED‐RL on fibroblasts and investigating the anti‐fibrotic effects of HF‐LED‐RL in human subjects may provide new insight into the utility of this therapeutic approach for skin fibrosis.
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Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles regulate smooth muscle cell phenotype
Authors: Angelopoulos Ioannis , Southern Paul , Pankhurst Quentin A. , Day Richard M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSuperparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) are used for an increasing range of biomedical applications, from imaging to mechanical actuation of cells and tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the loading of smooth muscle cells (SMC) with SPION and to explore what effect this has on the phenotype of the cells. Adherent human SMC were loaded with ∼17 pg of unconjugated, negatively charged, 50 nm SPION. Clusters of the internalized SPION particles were held in discrete cytoplasmic vesicles. Internalized SPION did not cause any change in cell morphology, proliferation, metabolic activity, or staining pattern of actin and calponin, two of the muscle contractile proteins involved in force generation. However, internalized SPION inhibited the increased gene expression of actin and calponin normally observed when cells are incubated under differentiation conditions. The observed change in the control of gene expression of muscle contractile apparatus by SPION has not previously been described. This finding could offer novel approaches for regulating the phenotype of SMC and warrants further investigation. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2412–2419, 2016.
Emperor's new clothes: Is particle disease really infected particle disease?
Authors: Wasko Marcin K. , Goodman Stuart B. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTAseptic loosening remains the most significant long‐term complication of total hip replacement. The current paradigm points to an inflammatory response to wear particles as its main trigger. Recently, there have been increasing numbers of positive bacterial isolates reported among patients with clinically absent infection. This paper reviews existing evidence on possible involvement of bacteria and microbial‐associated molecular patterns in the pathology of so‐called “aseptic loosening.” © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1497–1504, 2016.
Desired Involvement in Treatment Decisions Among Adults with PTSD Symptoms
Authors: Harik Juliette M. , Hundt Natalie E. , Bernardy Nancy C. , Norman Sonya B. , Hamblen Jessica L. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMost medical patients want to be involved in decisions about their care. Whether this is true for people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—a disorder characterized by avoidance of trauma‐related discussions—is unknown. We conducted an online survey assessing preferences for involvement in PTSD treatment decisions (level of control, timing) and information about PTSD treatment (content, format). Adults who screened positive for possible PTSD (N = 301) were recruited from a large online survey panel representative of the U. S. population. Virtually all respondents (97.3%) desired involvement in treatment decisions; two thirds (67.8%) wanted primary responsibility for decisions. Most (64.2%) wanted 30–60 minutes to learn about treatments and 80.1% wanted at least 1–3 days to consider their options. Respondents expressed more interest in informational content on treatment effectiveness and side effects than any other topic. In‐person discussion with a provider was preferred more than other learning formats (e.g., websites, brochures). Results suggested that people with symptoms of PTSD want involvement in decisions about their treatment and want to discuss treatment options with their provider. Providers may wish to prioritize information about effectiveness and side effects, and should expect that many patients will need several days after their visit to make a decision.
Effects of glucose and insulin on secretion of amyloid‐β by human adipose tissue cells
Authors: Tharp William G. , Gupta Dhananjay , Smith Joshua , Jones Karen P. , Jones Amanda M. , Pratley Richard E. 
Published: May 2016

ObjectiveObesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus are risk factors for developing Alzheimer disease. Overlapping patterns of metabolic dysfunction may be common molecular links between these complex diseases. Amyloid‐β (Aβ) precursor protein and associated β‐ and γ‐secretases are expressed in adipose tissue. Aβ precursor protein is up‐regulated with obesity and correlated to insulin resistance. Aβ may be secreted by adipose tissue, its production may be regulated through metabolic pathways, and Aβ may exert effects on adipose tissue insulin receptor signaling.MethodsHuman stromal‐vascular cells and differentiated adipocytes were cultured with different combinations of glucose and insulin and then assayed for Aβ in conditioned media. Aβ was measured in vivo using adipose tissue microdialysis.ResultsAβ secretion was increased by glucose and insulin in vitro. Adipose tissue microdialysates contained Aβ. Adipocytes treated with Aβ had decreased expression of insulin receptor substrate‐2 and reduced Akt‐1 phosphorylation.ConclusionsAβ was made by adipose tissue cells in vitro at concentrations similar to in vivo measurements. Regulation of Aβ production by glucose and insulin and effects of Aβ on the insulin receptor pathway suggest similar cellular mechanisms may exist between neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer disease and adipose dysfunction in type 2 diabetes.
HgCdTe p+‐n structures grown by MBE on Si (013) substrates for high operating temperature SWIR detectors
Authors: Bazovkin V. M. , Dvoretskiy S. A. , Guzev A. A. , Kovchavtsev A. P. , Marin D. V. , Panova Z. V. , Sabinina I. V. , Sidorov Yu. G. , Sidorov G. Yu. , Tsarenko A. V. , Varavin V. S. , Vasiliev V. V. , Yakushev M. V. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractElectrophysical properties of multilayered heteroepitaxial structures of Hg1‐xCdxTe with x=0.3‐0.4 grown by molecular beam epitaxy on silicon substrates are presented. The passivating effect of thin CdTe layers grown on top of the structures in single process is demonstrated. Comparison between experimental and theoretical temperature dependencies of reverse currents in n‐on‐p and p‐on‐n diodes fabricated by boron and arsenic ion implantation in vacancy‐doped p‐type and In‐doped n‐type Hg1‐xCdxTe films, respectively, are presented. The influence of p‐n junction position in double‐layer heterostructure on temperature dependencies of reverse currents is examined. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Firm growth, adaptive capability, and entrepreneurial orientation
Authors: Eshima Yoshihiro , Anderson Brian S. 
Published: May 2016

Research summary: This paper posits adaptive capability as a mechanism through which a firm's prior growth influences the exhibition of future entrepreneurial action. Defined as the firm's proficiency in altering its understanding of market expectations, increased adaptive capability is a consequence of the new resource combinations that result from expanding organizational boundaries. Increased adaptive capability in turn corresponds to expansion of entrepreneurial activity, as firms increase their entrepreneurial orientation as the strategic mechanism to capitalize on their improved understanding of market conditions. We find support for our research model in a two‐study series conducted in South Korea and the United Kingdom.Managerial summary: Most would agree that entrepreneurially oriented firms—being innovative, entering new markets, and taking risk—grow faster. But how a firm becomes entrepreneurial is a complicated question. In this study, we flipped the growth relationship around and found support for growth contributing to a firm's entrepreneurial orientation. But between growth and being more entrepreneurial is the firm's ability to recognize changes in market expectations. We argue that as a firm grows, it acquires new resources and new knowledge of how to use those resources. These new resource combinations increase its ability to recognize changes in market expectations—its adaptive capability. This capability uncovers new entrepreneurial opportunities for value creation. To capture this potential value, firms expand their entrepreneurial orientation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is metapopulation patch occupancy in nature well predicted by the Levins model?
Authors: Vergara Pablo M. , Saravia‐Zepeda Amaira , Castro‐Reyes Nicolás , Simonetti Javier A. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAlthough the Levins model has made important theoretical contributions to ecology, its empirical support has not been conclusively established yet. We used published colonization and extinction data from 55 metapopulations to calculate their Levins equilibrium patch occupancy. Over all species, there were not significant differences between the observed patch occupancies and the Levins model's estimates. However, invertebrates and vertebrate species with some degree of threat had patch occupancies larger than the model's expectancies. A temporal sampling effect was found for invertebrate species, with departure from the Levins model decreasing as the length of the study period increased. There was a negative relationship between patch occupancy and extinction probability, as expected under the “rescue effect”. The high rates at which invertebrates produce propagules could lead the Levins model to underestimate patch occupancy, whereas the observed patch occupancy of threatened species may be a transient phenomenon that results from extinction probabilities that increase over time. Therefore, the Levins model captures the metapopulation dynamics of a wide range of species in a simple formula whereas its equilibrium point can be used as evidence of metapopulation stability. Although mechanistic models provide more precise and accurate metapopulation predictions, they also can sacrifice the generality and simplicity of the Levins model.
Dietary Oil Source and Selenium Supplementation Modulate Fads2 and Elovl5 Transcriptional Levels in Liver and Brain of Meagre (Argyrosomus regius)
Authors: Silva‐Brito Francisca , Magnoni Leonardo J. , Fonseca Sthelio Braga , Peixoto Maria João , Castro L. Filipe C. , Cunha Isabel , de Almeida Ozório Rodrigo Otávio , Magalhães Fernando Antunes , Gonçalves José Fernando Magalhães 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe meagre (Argyrosomus regius) is taking on increasing importance in the aquaculture industry. In view of the limited supply of fish oil (FO) as a feed ingredient, the study of the capacity to biosynthesize long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFA) from alternative dietary oil sources is important. We analyzed changes in fatty acid (FA) desaturase 2 (fads2) and FA elongase 5 (elovl5) mRNA levels in livers and brains in response to FO replacement with a blend of vegetable oils (VO) and selenium (Se) supplementation. Fish were fed for 60 days with either a diet containing FO or a diet including VO, each supplemented or not with organic Se. Results showed that fads2 and elovl5 transcription was higher in liver when fish were fed VO diets. The brain mRNA levels of both genes were not affected by the dietary replacement of FO by VO. FA composition in the liver and skeletal muscle was altered by FO replacement, particularly by decreasing eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid contents. The α‐linolenic, linoleic, and arachidonic acid contents increased in both liver and brain of fish fed VO diets. The effect of Se supplementation on lipid metabolism was evident only in fish fed FO, showing a decrease in the transcription of hepatic fads2. Results indicate that the total replacement of FO by VO in diets modulates the expression of genes involved in LC‐PUFA biosynthesis in meagre, affecting the FA profile of the fish flesh.
Correlation between the Gait Deviation Index and gross motor function (GMFCS level) in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Malt Merete A. , Aarli Ånen , Bogen Bård , Fevang Jonas M. 
Published: May 2016

Aim The Gait Deviation Index (GDI) is a score derived from three-dimensional gait analysis (3DGA). The GDI provides a numerical value that expresses overall gait pathology (ranging from 0 to 100, where 100 indicates the absence of gait pathology). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the GDI and different levels of gross motor function [defined as the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS)] and to explore if age, height, weight, gender and cerebral palsy (CP) subclass (bilateral and unilateral CP) exert any influence on the GDI in children with unilateral and bilateral spastic CP. Methods We calculated the GDI of 109 children [73 % boys, mean age 9.7 years (standard deviation, SD 3.5)] with spastic CP, classified at GMFCS levels I, II and III. Twenty-three normally developing children were used as controls [61 % boys, mean age 9.9 years (SD 2.6)]. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed. Results The mean GDI in the control group was 100 (SD 7.5). The mean GDI in the GMFCS level I group was 81 (SD 11), in the GMFCS level II group 71 (SD 11) and in the GMFCS level III group 60 (SD 9). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that gender, age and CP subclass had no significant correlation with the GDI, whereas height and weight had a slight impact. Conclusion This study showed a strong correlation between the GDI and GMFCS levels. The present data indicate that calculation of the GDI is a useful tool to characterise walking difficulties in children with spastic CP.
Multimorbidity in affective disorders: Impact on length of stay
Authors: Cealicu Toma F. , Moamaï J. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundMultimorbidity (MM) refers to the coexistence of two or more chronic diseases in the same individual; it encompasses medical comorbidity (MC) and psychiatric comorbidity (PC). Hypothesis: MM is prevalent amongst in-patients suffering from affective disorders (AD) and also impacted on length of stay.AimsTo determine the prevalence of MM and its impact on duration of hospitalization in AD admissions.MethodThis cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data taken from discharge records of 1056 adults admitted for AD to a Quebec-based facility, between 2006 and 2014. Distribution of AD cases: 47% depression, 53% bipolar disorders.ResultsThe prevalence rate of MM: 85%. PC was present in 70% of sample whereas MC was present in 62%. The median number of comorbid illnesses was 2.7 for each study subject. The rate of MM was not related to age or gender. Metabolic syndrome (54%), cardiovascular diseases and chronic pain syndrome (17%) were the most prevalent MC in both depressed and bipolar populations. Personality disorder (65%) was highest in the depression population, whereas substance misuse (55%) was the most prevalent PC in the bipolar subjects. A longer length of stay was correlated with MM. However, a logistic regression analysis indicated that duration of hospitalization was only correlated with MC.ConclusionsThe observation that MM is the norm, even in this relatively young population with AD. The results confirmed that MC prolongs hospital stay. These findings advocate strongly for integrated management of psychiatric and physical health problems in clinical practice.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.