bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Configurations of the Re‐scan Confocal Microscope (RCM) for biomedical applications
Authors: DE LUCA G.M.R. , DESCLOS E. , BREEDIJK R.M.P. , DOLZ‐EDO L. , SMITS G.J. , NAHIDIAZAR L. , BIELEFELD P. , PICAVET L. , FITZSIMONS C.P. , HOEBE R. , MANDERS E.M.M. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThe new high‐sensitive and high‐resolution technique, Re‐scan Confocal Microscopy (RCM), is based on a standard confocal microscope extended with a re‐scan detection unit. The re‐scan unit includes a pair of re‐scanning mirrors that project the emission light onto a camera in a scanning manner. The signal‐to‐noise ratio of Re‐scan Confocal Microscopy is improved by a factor of 4 compared to standard confocal microscopy and the lateral resolution of Re‐scan Confocal Microscopy is 170 nm (compared to 240 nm for diffraction limited resolution, 488 nm excitation, 1.49 NA). Apart from improved sensitivity and resolution, the optical setup of Re‐scan Confocal Microscopy is flexible in its configuration in terms of control of the mirrors, lasers and filters. Because of this flexibility, the Re‐scan Confocal Microscopy can be configured to address specific biological applications. In this paper, we explore a number of possible configurations of Re‐scan Confocal Microscopy for specific biomedical applications such as multicolour, FRET, ratio‐metric (e.g. pH and intracellular Ca2+ measurements) and FRAP imaging.
Left atrial anatomy and patient‐related factors associated with adverse outcomes with the watchman device—a real world experience
Authors: Murarka Shishir , Lazkani Mohamad , Moualla Soundos , Verma Divya Ratan , Pershad Ashish 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveThis study sought to identify patient and left atrial morphology specific factors associated with early complications for left atrial appendage occlusion with the Watchman™ (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA) device.BackgroundOral anticoagulation (OAC) is recommended for patients with atrial fibrillation, however, long‐term OAC compliance is poor. In randomized control trials, the Watchman™ device has demonstrated superiority over OAC with warfarin for all cause and cardiovascular mortality and hemorrhagic stroke. However, predictors of procedural complications have not yet been well established.MethodsThere were 137 patients included in this study from a total of 141 consecutive patients prospectively enrolled in the registry between 8/1/2015 and 08/31/2016. Unadjusted, multivariate cox proportional hazards model was used for analysis. Primary end‐point was a composite major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) defined to include death, stroke, major and life threatening bleeding, major vascular complications, device embolization, need for cardiovascular surgery, need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and significant pericardial effusion.ResultsThe primary endpoint was reached in 5.8% of patients. There were no device embolization and no strokes. Anterior chicken morphology (ACW) of the left atrial appendage (LAA) conferred a hazard ratio of 3.7 for MACCE and a body mass index >30 kg/m2 significantly lowered the likelihood of a MACCE.ConclusionCertain LAA morphologies and patient characteristics increase the risk for a MACCE following left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with the Watchman™ device. Anterior chicken wing morphology of the LAA and low BMI <30 kg/m2 were independent predictors of MACCE in the multivariate regression model.
Application of the check‐all‐that‐apply method (CATA) to get insights on children's drivers of liking of fiber‐enriched apple purees
Authors: Laureati Monica , Cattaneo Camilla , Lavelli Vera , Bergamaschi Valentina , Riso Patrizia , Pagliarini Ella 
Published: March 2017

AbstractDeveloping food products for children requires their involvement since their needs differ from those of adults. Descriptive methods are helpful in defining product's sensory properties that drive consumer's liking but they are not recommended with children. Consequently, finding new approaches to develop food tailored for children is one of the biggest challenges for food companies and sensory and consumer research scientists. This study has a twofold aim: (a) to test the suitability of check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) questions to obtain a sensory description of fiber‐enriched apple purees by children; (b) to investigate the drivers of liking of these products. Sixty‐two children (8–11 years) evaluated the overall liking of six apple purees varying in appearance and texture and answered a series of CATA questions. Results showed that children were able to generate appropriate descriptive terms and to discriminate the samples according to the a priori modified sensory modalities using the CATA method. Sweet taste and a uniform texture (sandy, doughy, and floury attributes) were positive predictors of apple purees children liking, whereas sour taste, granular and crunchy texture were negative predictors.Practical applicationsThe check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) method is an appropriate, child‐friendly approach to get insights on how young consumers perceive a food product and identify the most relevant sensory attributes that affect children's hedonic perception. The use of CATA technique could be useful for food products research and development to understand children's drivers of liking and to obtain effective input for products optimization that meet children's sensory expectation, assuring product's success with this specific target of consumers.
Platelet factor 4 upregulates matrix metalloproteinase‐1 production in gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Javaid M. , Bi J. , Biddle C. , Tsai C. M. , Häkkinen L. , Kim H. 
Published: March 2017

Background and ObjectivePeriodontitis is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory disease that causes tooth loss, morbidity and confers an increased risk for systemic disease. Tissue destruction during periodontitis is due in large part to collagen‐degrading matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) released by resident cells of the periodontium in response to proinflammatory cytokines. Platelets are immune‐competent blood cells with a newly recognized role in chronic inflammation; however, their role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis is undefined. Consequently, the objective of this study was to assess the effect of platelet factor 4 (PF4), a major platelet‐derived cytokine, on MMP‐1 (collagenase) expression in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs).Material and MethodsHGFs were cultured in the presence or absence of recombinant PF4. Pro‐MMP‐1 secretion was quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay analysis of the cell culture supernatants. MMP‐1 transcription was quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Regulation of MMP‐1 production by the p44/42 MAP kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was examined in the presence or absence of PF4.ResultsExposure to PF4 caused a ~ 2–3‐fold increase in MMP‐1 transcription and secretion from cultured HGFs. PF4 treatment also enhanced phosphorylation of p44/42 MAPK, which has been previously shown to induce MMP‐1 expression in fibroblasts. Blockade of p44/42 MAPK signaling with the cell‐permeant inhibitors PD98059 and PD184352 abrogated PF4‐induced pro‐MMP‐1 transcription upregulation and release from cultured HGFs.ConclusionWe conclude that PF4 upregulates MMP‐1 expression in HGFs in a p44/42 MAPK‐dependent manner. These findings point to a previously unidentified role for platelets in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases.
A novel broth medium for enhanced growth of Francisella tularensis
Authors: Morris B.J. , Buse H.Y. , Adcock N.J. , Rice E.W. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Francisella tularensis is a fastidious organism that requires a lengthy incubation time in liquid growth media for detection. The objective of this study was to develop a medium formulation using readily available supplements that enhanced early growth of F. tularensis. Francisella tularensis live vaccine strain was used to evaluate the growth responses for each of the media formulations tested. Growth in brain heart infusion broth supplemented with 2% Vitox, 10% Fildes and 1% histidine (BVFH) resulted in a significant increase in growth after 8 h incubation compared to other media formulations tested (P &lt; 0·001). Virulent strains of F. tularensis grown in BVFH medium demonstrated similar enhanced early growth. Cell densities of 3·9–5·2 log10 CFU per ml were obtained after 24 h of growth in BVFH from a 1–2 cell ml−1 starting inoculum of the virulent Type A Schu4 strain, indicating the suitability of this medium in rapidly amplifying low starting titres of F. tularensis. Collectively, these results indicate that the novel formulation of the BVFH medium was capable of producing enhanced growth response for F. tularensis.

Significance and Impact of the Study
The need for rapid cultivation of Francisella tularensis is essential for detection and monitoring during natural outbreak events or intentional bioterrorism attacks. The addition of selected supplements into the base medium BHI (BVFH) developed in this study enhanced growth of F. tularensis Type A1, A2 and B strains compared to BHI alone. Growth of these organisms in BVFH will allow for improved response time should a natural or intentional contamination event occur.
The Passions of Christ in the Moral Theology of Thomas Aquinas: An Integrative Account
Authors: Clem Stewart 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIn recent scholarship, moral theologians and readers of Thomas Aquinas have shown increasing sensitivity to the role of the passions in the moral life. Yet these accounts have paid inadequate attention to Thomas's writings on Christ's passions as a source of moral reflection. As I argue in this essay, Thomas's writings on Christ's human affectivity should not be limited to the concerns of Christology; rather, they should be integrated into a fuller account of the human passions. One upshot of this approach for Thomists is that it sharpens our vocabulary when describing human nature and the conditions for the moral life. By considering the rubrics of creation, fall, and redemption – as Thomas does – we find that our resources for analyzing the passions are greatly enriched.
Localization of the 5‐hydroxytryptamine 4 receptor in equine enteric neurons and extrinsic sensory fibers
Authors: Giancola F. , Rambaldi A. M. , Bianco F. , Iusco S. , Romagnoli N. , Tagliavia C. , Bombardi C. , Clavenzani P. , De Giorgio R. , Chiocchetti R. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundSerotonin plays a pivotal role in regulating gut motility, visceral sensitivity, and fluid secretion via specific receptors. Among these receptors, 5‐HT4exerts a prominent control on gut motor function. Although the prokinetic effect exerted by 5‐HT4agonists is well known, the cellular sites of 5‐HT4expression remain poorly understood in large mammals, e.g., horses. In this study, we evaluated the distribution of 5‐HT4in the horse intestine and in foals with enteric aganglionosis, reminiscent of human Hirschsprung's disease.MethodsThe intestine and spinal ganglia were obtained from three healthy horses and two foals with hereditary ileocolonic aganglionosis. Tissues were processed for immunohistochemistry using a specific antibody to 5‐HT4and a variety of neuronal markers. Myenteric and submucosal plexus 5‐HT4‐immunoreactive (IR) neurons were quantified as relative percentage (mean±SD) to the total number of neurons counted. Furthermore, the density of 5‐HT4‐IRnerve fibers was evaluated in the mucosa andtunica muscularis.Key ResultsThe 5‐HT4immunoreactivity was localized to large percentages of myenteric neurons ranging from 28±9% (descending colon) to 63±19% (ileum), and submucosal neurons ranging from 54±6% (ileum) to 68±14% (duodenum). The 5‐HT4‐immunoreactivity was co‐expressed by some substance P‐IR(SP‐IR) spinal ganglion neurons and extrinsic sensory fibers of aganglionic foals.Conclusions & InferencesThe presence of 5‐HT4in many enteric and extrinsic sensory neurons and nerve fibers provides solid morphological evidence of the cellular sites of 5‐HT4expression in horses. The evidence ofSP‐IRsensory neurons positive for 5‐HT4suggests its role in visceral sensitivity.
„Hölle der Narrenfreiheit“
Authors: Nowotny Joanna , Reidy Julian 
Published: March 2017

Dieser Aufsatz befasst sich mit der Altersdarstellung in zwei beispielhaften Generationenromanen der deutschsprachigen Gegenwartsliteratur, Clemens Setz’ Die Frequenzen (2009) und Tilman Rammstedts Der Kaiser von China (2008). Drei Aspekte stehen im Zentrum der Analyse: Erstens ist in Einklang mit der soziologischen Forschung zu beobachten, dass Alter in der Gegenwartsliteratur nicht als bloße biologische Tatsache, sondern als soziale Leistung begriffen wird. Je nachdem, ob und wie gut diese Leistung erbracht wird, entwirft die Gegenwartsliteratur Bilder eines „guten“ und „schlechten“ Alter(n)s. Um die Problemstellung adäquat zu erfassen, werden zweitens spezifische diskurs‐ und wissensgeschichtliche Kontexte fruchtbar gemacht, denn Alter wird etwa in Abhängigkeit von Gender unterschiedlich funktionalisiert. Der Fokus unserer Untersuchung liegt auf „männlichen“ Alterungsprozessen, deren Prekarität in der Forschung zu aktuellen Generationenromanen noch kaum registriert wurde. Drittens zeigt die vorliegende Arbeit, dass das Alter mit gattungsspezifischen Schreibverfahren des Generationenromans der Gegenwartsliteratur assoziiert ist, insbesondere mit der „therapeutischen“ Narrativierung der Familiengeschichte.
Dexmedetomidine sedation combined with caudal anesthesia for lower abdominal and extremity surgery in ex‐preterm and full‐term infants
Authors: Waurick Katrin , Sauerland Cristina , Goeters Christiane 
Published: March 2017

SummaryBackgroundAwake caudal anesthesia is a potentially attractive option, because the administration of general anesthesia is associated with a high rate of respiratory complications and hemodynamic disturbances and potential neurotoxic effects. To facilitate the caudal puncture and subsequent surgical intervention, additional sedatives are commonly administered.AimWe aimed to establish a new, safe, and effective anesthetic procedure for very young children with comorbidities.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 23 children who underwent lower abdominal or lower extremity surgery with dexmedetomidine sedation and caudal anesthesia from January 2015 to August 2015. Dexmedetomidine was initiated with a total bolus infusion of 0.7–1.1 μg·kg−1 followed by a continuous infusion of 1 μg·kg−1·h−1. Bupivacaine (2.5 mg·kg−1) was supplemented with 5–10 μg·kg−1 epinephrine to strengthen and prolong motor block. According to maturity at birth, two groups were defined: ex‐preterm and full‐term infants.ResultsThere were 12 ex‐preterm and 10 full‐term infants available for analysis. The median postmenstrual age was 44 (38–52) weeks in ex‐preterm and 46.5 (40–72) weeks in full‐term infants. Without any additional intervention, surgery was successfully accomplished in 82% of all cases. While respiratory complications were not a problem, hemodynamic disturbances commonly occurred. Maximum decreases in heart rate (HR) of 30% were accompanied by maximum decreases in mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 38%. No infant had a heart rate below 100 bpm. MAP declined in one ex‐preterm infant to a minimum value of 32 mmHg.ConclusionCaudal anesthesia combined with dexmedetomidine sedation is an effective anesthetic technique for lower abdominal and extremity surgery in ex‐preterm and full‐term infants with severe comorbidities.
Reconceptualizing European Union regulatory networks: A response to Blauberger and Rittberger
Authors: Tarrant Andrew , Kelemen R. Daniel 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis article responds to Michael Blauberger and Berthold Rittberger's article “Conceptualizing and theorizing EU regulatory networks,” published in Regulation & Governance in 2015. Blauberger and Rittberger challenged our previous work on the politics of Eurocracy, disputing our argument that political considerations, not functional ones, explain the choice of bureaucratic structure in the European Union (EU). Blauberger and Rittberger suggest that functional considerations do indeed explain why policymakers sometimes prefer governance through European Regulatory Networks rather than through more centralized EU agencies, and argue that we have misunderstood the preferences of EU legislative principals. In this article, we argue that there are significant flaws in Blauberger and Rittberger's analysis on both theoretical and empirical grounds. We show that a proper interpretation of developments in both telecoms and competition lends support to our theoretical claims and not those offered by Blauberger and Rittberger.
The Effects of Homeownership on Civic Participation among Immigrant Farmworkers in Washington State
Authors: Mireles Gilbert F. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractHomeownership is generally considered to have positive benefits for families and communities. However, the collapse of the housing market in 2009 led to questions about this assumption, especially for low‐skilled workers whose employment is volatile. This question is particularly relevant to the farmworker population in rural communities for whom homeownership might function as the first step in the path toward social integration. In this study I ask whether homeownership impacts immigrant adaptation among farmworkers in Washington State. To answer this question researchers analyzed 2,845 responses from the Washington State Farm Worker Survey. I divided the sample into renters and homeowners and evaluated behaviors and attitudes along three dimensions: perceptions of community efficacy, civic engagement, and motivations for civic engagement. I found that when compared with those who rent, farmworkers who are homeowners tend to have a greater sense of community efficacy, are more engaged in their communities, and are more motivated to get involved in local affairs. These findings suggest that homeownership can function as a vehicle for immigrant adaptation among Washington State farmworkers. This bodes well for the future of the state's rural areas, where Latinos are increasingly becoming the majority in many agricultural communities.
Evaluation of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Singh S. , Verma S. K. , Kumar S. , Ahmad M. K. , Nischal A. , Singh S. K. , Dixit R. K. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory condition involving the airways and characterized by airflow limitation. Gaseous and noxious particles play an important role in this process. Antioxidants are the substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. The increased oxidative stress in patients with COPD is the result of an increased burden of inhaled oxidants, as well as increased amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by various inflammatory, immune and epithelial cells of the airways. A total of 150 subjects with COPD and 100 healthy controls subjects were enrolled in this study from the period October 2015 to January 2016. The investigation included measurements of plasma superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), catalase activity (CAT), glutathione content (GSH) reduced form, (GPx) glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase (GR) and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Absorbance was measured by UV spectrophotometer. The estimated values of SOD, catalase, GPx, GSH and GR were found to be significantly (P = 0.0001) lower among the cases compared with controls. But, the levels of MDA were higher (P = 0.0001) in cases as compared to control group and there was significant difference in the oxidative stress parameters among the various stages of COPD. The post hoc analysis revealed that SOD was significantly (P < 0.01) lower among the mild, moderate and severe patients compared with very severe patients. The catalase was also observed to be significantly (P = 0.01) lower among mild, moderate and severe patients than very severe patients. The GPx was found to be significantly (P = 0.002) lower among the mild, moderate and severe patients compared with very severe patients. MDA was observed to be significantly higher in mild, moderate and severe patients compared with very severe (P = 0.001). GR was significantly (P = 0.003) lower among mild, moderate and severe patients than very severe patients. However, there was no significant difference in GSH among severity of COPD patients. This study suggests that oxidant and antioxidant imbalance plays an important role in various stages of severity of COPD. These results revealed the presence of an oxidative stress in subjects with COPD, and it is proportionate to the severity of disease.
Males without apparent alloimmunization could have HLA antibodies that recognize target HLA specificities expressed on cells
Authors: Nakamura J. , Nakajima F. , Kamada H. , Tadokoro K. , Nagai T. , Satake M. 
Published: March 2017

Background and objectivesHuman leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies, which are involved in the development of transfusion‐related side effects such as transfusion‐related lung injury, are sometimes found in males without a history of alloimmunization (eg, transplantation and transfusion). Whether HLA antibodies in male donors can interact with their target HLA specificities expressed on cells have not been completely investigated.Materials and methodsThe HLA antibodies detected in 7 male donors were characterized. Flow cytometry and immunocomplex capture fluorescence analysis were performed to evaluate the ability of these antibodies to bind with target HLA specificities expressed on cells. The association of these antibodies with complement was examined using anti‐C1q antibody. Sustainability of HLA antibodies over time was compared in 26 male vs 57 female donors.ResultsThe antibodies from all 7 donors recognized intact HLA molecules coated onto microbeads. The antibodies in 2 of 7 donors also recognized their target HLA specificities expressed on cells. Furthermore, the antibodies in one of these 2 donors showed HLA specificities that involved complement binding. Twenty‐one of 26 initially positive male donors had turned negative for HLA antibody at least 1 year after their initial positive screening, whereas HLA antibody positivity was maintained for a long time in most female donors.ConclusionMales without apparent alloimmunization could have HLA antibodies that recognize their target HLA specificities on cells and that could potentially modify molecular events in affected cells.
The role of echocardiography in fetal tachyarrhythmia diagnosis. A burden for the pediatric cardiologist and a review of the literature.
Authors: Gozar Liliana , Marginean Claudiu , Toganel Rodica , Muntean Iolanda 
Published: March 2017

Supraventricular tachyarrhythmia represents the most frequent fetal dysrhythmia. In the lack of diagnosis and treatment these fetuses may develop hydrops and even death. For the therapeutic approach it is important to establish the diagnosis of the type of supraventricular tachycardia. In this paper we report 29 cases with different types of supraventricular tachycardia in which the diagnosis was established using our own protocol, which allowed us to make the difference between the types of tachycardia (atrioventricular reentry tachycardia due to the accessory pathway, atrial ectopic tachycardia and permanent junctional reciprocal tachycardia). We acquired the data by a series of recordings in M mode and pulsed Doppler by simultaneous recording of an artery and a vein flow. First of all, we diagnosed the supraventricular tachycardia type, with short or long ventriculoarterial interval, and afterwards, we made the difference between atrial ectopic tachycardia and permanent junctional reciprocal tachycardia using methods to decrease the atrioventricular conduction.