bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Iron overload correlates with serum liver fibrotic markers and liver dysfunction: Potential new methods to predict iron overload‐related liver fibrosis in thalassemia patients
Authors: Wang Man , Liu Rongrong , Liang Yuzhen , Yang Gaohui , Huang Yumei , Yu Chunlan , Sun Kaiqi , Lai Yongrong , Xia Yang 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundEarly detection of liver fibrosis in thalassemia patients and rapid initiation of treatment to interfere with its progression are extremely important.ObjectiveThis study aimed to find a sensitive, easy‐to‐detect and noninvasive method other than liver biopsy for early detection of liver fibrosis in thalassemia patients.MethodsA total of 244 Chinese Thalassemia patients with non‐transfusion‐dependent thalassemia (NTDT, n  = 105) or thalassemia major (TM, n  = 139) and 120 healthy individuals were recruited into the present study, and blood collagen type IV (C IV), precollagen type III (PIIINPC) and hyaluronic acid (HA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and ferritin were measured. Liver iron concentration was determined by MRI. The correlation of serum markers with liver iron load and liver function was evaluated.ResultsSerum C IV, PIIINPC and HA were significantly elevated in Chinese patients with NTDT and further elevated in TM patients. Moreover, C IV, PIIINPC and HA were also positively correlated to serum ferritin and liver iron concentration and further elevated during the progression to multi‐organ damage in NTDT patients. Finally, serum ferritin and liver iron concentration were significantly correlated with liver dysfunction determined by AST and ALT.ConclusionTaken together, our results indicate that monitoring serum C IV, PIIINPC and HA is a potentially sensitive method to predict the risks for iron overload‐related liver fibrosis in Chinese thalassemia patients.
Ferri-fluoro-leakeite: a second occurrence at Bratthagen (Norway), with new data on Zn partitioning and the oxo component in Na amphiboles
Authors: Oberti R. , Boiocchi M. , Hawthorne F. C. , Kristiansen R. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractA second occurrence of ferri-fluoro-leakeite has been identified in the Bratthagen nepheline syenite pegmatite (Vestfold County, Norway). With respect to the holotype found at the Verkhnee Espe deposit (Akjailyautas Mountains, Kazakhstan; Cámaraet al., 2010), it is closer to the ideal composition because of its larger Li and Mg contents and the absence of an oxo-component; however, it has a significant Zn content (0.29 a.p.f.u.). The ideal formula of ferri-fluoro-leakeite isANaBNa2C(Mg2Fe23+Li)TSi8O22WF2and the empirical formula derived from electron-microprobe analysis and single-crystal structure refinement for the sample used here isA(Na0.68K0.32)S=1.00BNa2.00C(Mg1.69Mn0.252+Fe0.242+Zn0.29Al0.23Fe1.503+Ti0.02Li0.78)S=5.00TSi8O22W(F1.59(OH)0.41)S=2.00. Unitcell data area= 9.788(2),b= 17.826(3),c= 5.282(1) Å, β = 104.195(5)°,V= 893.5 (3) Å3,Z= 2. Crystal-chemical analysis shows that Li is ordered at theM(3) site and Zn is ordered mainly at theM(2) site, confirming previous findings for Li-bearing amphiboles. The new data also make quantification of the oxo component in Na amphiboles possible.
The structure hierarchy hypothesis
Authors: Hawthorne F. C. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe structure hierarchy hypothesis states that structures may be ordered hierarchically according to the polymerization of coordination polyhedra of higher bond valence. A mathematical hierarchy is an ordered set of elements where the ordering reflects a natural hierarchical relation between (or arrangement of) the elements. Here, I review the structure hierarchies for the borate, uranyl oxide, phosphate, sulfate, beryllate and oxide-centred Cu, Pb and Hg minerals (plus synthetics where appropriate). Structure hierarchies have two functions: (1) they serve to organize our knowledge of minerals (crystal structures) in a coherent manner; (2) if the basis of the classification involves factors that are related to the mechanistic details of the stability and behaviour of minerals, then the physical, chemical and paragenetic characteristics of minerals should arise as natural consequences of their crystal structures and the interaction of those structures with the environment in which they occur. We may justify the structure hierarchy hypothesis by considering a hypothetical structure-building process whereby higher bond-valence polyhedra polymerize to form the structural unit. The clusters constituting the FBBs (fundamental building blocks) may polymerize to form the following types of structural unit: (1) isolated polyhedra; (2) clusters; (3) chains and ribbons; (4) sheets; and (5) frameworks. The major advantage of this approach to structure hierarchy is the fact that the hypothetical structure-building process outlined above resembles (our ideas of) crystallization from an aqueous solution, whereby complexes in aqueous and hydrothermal solutions condense to form crystal structures, or fragments of linked polyhedra in a magma condense to form a crystal. Although our knowledge of these processes is rather vague from a mechanistic perspective, the foundations of the structure hypothesis give us a framework within which to think about the processes of crystallization and dissolution.
Pulmonary haemodynamics during recovery from maximum incremental cycling exercise
Authors: Oliveira Rudolf K.F. , Waxman Aaron B. , Agarwal Manyoo , Badr Eslam Roza , Systrom David M. 
Published: April 2016

Assessment of cardiac function during exercise can be technically demanding, making the recovery period a potentially attractive diagnostic window. However, the validity of this approach for exercise pulmonary haemodynamics has not been validated.The present study, therefore, evaluated directly measured pulmonary haemodynamics during 2-min recovery after maximum invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing in patients evaluated for unexplained exertional intolerance. Based on peak exercise criteria, patients with exercise pulmonary hypertension (ePH; n=36), exercise pulmonary venous hypertension (ePVH; n=28) and age-matched controls (n=31) were analysed.By 2-min recovery, 83% (n=30) of ePH patients had a mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) <30 mmHg and 96% (n=27) of ePVH patients had a pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP) <20 mmHg. Sensitivity of pulmonary hypertension-related haemodynamic measurements during recovery for ePH and ePVH diagnosis was ≤25%. In ePVH, pulmonary vascular compliance (PVC) returned to its resting value by 1-min recovery, while in ePH, elevated pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and decreased PVC persisted throughout recovery.In conclusion, we observed that mPAP and PAWP decay quickly during recovery in ePH and ePVH, compromising the sensitivity of recovery haemodynamic measurements in diagnosing pulmonary hypertension. ePH and ePVH had different PVR and PVC recovery patterns, suggesting differences in the underlying pulmonary hypertension pathophysiology.
Matrix metalloproteinase 9 induces endothelial-mesenchymal transition via Notch activation in human kidney glomerular endothelial cells
Authors: Zhao Ye , Qiao Xi , Wang Lihua , Tan Tian Kui , Zhao Hong , Zhang Yun , Zhang Jianlin , Rao Padmashree , Cao Qi , Wang Yiping , Wang Ya , Wang Yuan Min , Lee Vincent W. S. , Alexander Stephen I. , Harris David C. H. , Zheng Guoping 
Published: April 2016

Abstract

Background
Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) is a major source of myofibroblast formation in kidney fibrosis. Our previous study showed a profibrotic role for matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in kidney fibrosis via induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Inhibition of MMP-9 activity reduced kidney fibrosis in murine unilateral ureteral obstruction. This study investigated whether MMP-9 also plays a role in EndoMT in human glomerular endothelial cells.

Results
TGF-β1 (10 or 20 ng/ml) induced EndoMT in HKGECs as shown by morphological changes. In addition, VE-cadherin and CD31 were significantly downregulated, whereas α-SMA, vimentin, and N-cadherin were upregulated. RT-PCR revealed that Snail, a known inducer of EMT, was upregulated. The MMP inhibitor GM6001 abrogated TGF-β1-induced EndoMT. Zymography indicated that MMP-9 was also upregulated in TGF-β1-treated HKGECs. Recombinant MMP-9 (2 μg/ml) induced EndoMT in HKGECs via Notch signaling, as evidenced by increased formation of the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) and decreased Notch 1. Inhibition of MMP-9 activity by its inhibitor showed a dose-dependent response in preventing TGF-β1-induced α-SMA and NICD in HKGECs, whereas inhibition of Notch signaling by γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI) blocked rMMP-9-induced EndoMT.

Conclusions
Taken together, our results demonstrate that MMP-9 plays an important role in TGF-β1-induced EndoMT via upregulation of Notch signaling in HKGECs.
High-throughput screening for modulators of ACVR1 transcription: discovery of potential therapeutics for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva
Authors: Cappato Serena , Tonachini Laura , Giacopelli Francesca , Tirone Mario , Galietta Luis J. V. , Sormani Martina , Giovenzana Anna , Spinelli Antonello E. , Canciani Barbara , Brunelli Silvia , Ravazzolo Roberto , Bocciardi Renata 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT
The ACVR1 gene encodes a type I receptor of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Activating mutations in ACVR1 are responsible for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), a rare disease characterized by congenital toe malformation and progressive heterotopic endochondral ossification leading to severe and cumulative disability. Until now, no therapy has been available to prevent soft-tissue swelling (flare-ups) that trigger the ossification process. With the aim of finding a new therapeutic strategy for FOP, we developed a high-throughput screening (HTS) assay to identify inhibitors of ACVR1 gene expression among drugs already approved for the therapy of other diseases. The screening, based on an ACVR1 promoter assay, was followed by an in vitro and in vivo test to validate and characterize candidate molecules. Among compounds that modulate the ACVR1 promoter activity, we selected the one showing the highest inhibitory effect, dipyridamole, a drug that is currently used as a platelet anti-aggregant. The inhibitory effect was detectable on ACVR1 gene expression, on the whole Smad-dependent BMP signaling pathway, and on chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation processes by in vitro cellular assays. Moreover, dipyridamole reduced the process of heterotopic bone formation in vivo. Our drug repositioning strategy has led to the identification of dipyridamole as a possible therapeutic tool for the treatment of FOP. Furthermore, our study has also defined a pipeline of assays that will be useful for the evaluation of other pharmacological inhibitors of heterotopic ossification.
Closed-Form Solutions for Robust Inventory Management
Authors: Mamani Hamed , Nassiri Shima , Wagner Michael R. 
Published: April 2016

We propose and analyze robust optimization models of an inventory management problem, where cumulative purchase, inventory, and shortage costs over n periods are minimized for correlated nonidentically distributed demand. We assume that the means and covariance matrix of stochastic demand are known; the distributions are not needed. We derive closed-form ordering quantities for both symmetric and asymmetric uncertainty sets, under capacitated inventory constraints, in both static and dynamic settings. The behaviors of our robust strategies differ qualitatively depending on the symmetry of the uncertainty set. For instance, considering our simplest static problem, (1) if the uncertainty set is symmetric, then there is positive ordering in all periods, whereas (2) if the set is asymmetric, then there is a set of periods in the middle of the planning horizon with zero orders. We also link the symmetry of the uncertainty set to the symmetry of the demand distribution. Finally, we present encouraging computational results where our solution compares favorably to previously studied, more complex robust solutions. This paper was accepted by Yinyu Ye, optimization.
Reviews
Authors: Smith Lorraine Hamilton , Pohlmann Attila , Tinoco Sarah 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Fashion on the Ration: 1940s’ Street Style, Imperial War Museum, London, 5 March–31 August 2015
Harajuku: Tokyo Street Fashion, Honolulu Museum of Art, 19 November 2015–3 April 2016
Jeremy Scott: The People’s Designer, Vlad Yudin (2015) USA: The Vladar Company
On the Durability of the Hydraulic Satellite Motor Working Mechanism in Overload Condition
Authors: Szkodo M. , Stanisławska A. , Śliwiński P. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The paper presents the newest construction of the hydraulic satellite pump/motor. In this study, the fracture of the hydraulic satellite motor working mechanism is investigated. Factors influencing the durability of satellite working mechanism have been described. The durability of the hydraulic satellite motor working mechanism at a load, corresponding to a pressure of 15 MPa supplied with refined rapeseed oil is very low. Analyses of construction and laboratory tests showed that the satellites teeth wear out the fastest. Results showed that bending fatigue and surface contact fatigue of the satellites are the main cause of the hydraulic satellite motor working mechanism failures.
Evaluation of Polymorphism in IGF-I and IGFB-3 Genes and their Relationship tith Twinning Rate and Growth Traits in Markhoz Goats
Authors: Rasouli Sahar , Abdolmohammadi Alireza , Zebarjadi Alireza , Mostafaei Ali 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Growth rate and twinning rate are economic traits that can be used in goat breeding objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate polymorphisms in the insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP-3) genes and their relationship with growth traits and twinning in Markhoz goats. Two sets of specific primers were used to amplify a 249bp fragment of IGF-I gene and a 316bp fragment of IGFBP-3 gene. PCR-SSCP analysis revealed three banding patterns for each gene that confirmed presence of a mutation in position 1617 of the IGF-I gene and a mutation in position 58 of IGFBP-3 gene. The genotype frequencies of IGF-I gene were 0.81 (GG), 0.16 (GA) and 0.03 (AA). Also, the genotype frequencies of IGFBP-3 gene were 0.79 (TT), 0.17 (TC) and 0.04 (CC). The Odds Ratio estimated for twinning rate was 1.11 for second on first parity, 0.19 for third on first parity and 5.71 for second on third parity. The chi-square statistics were 6.46 for IGF-I gene and 3.32 for IGFBP-3 gene. The results also indicated that different genotypes of these genes had no significant effect on birth weight, weight at 6 months, at 9 months and at 12 months but the interactions between different genotypes of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 genes were significant for weaning weight and average daily gain from birth to weaning. These results suggest that twinning rate in Markhoz breed is statistically affected by these genes and can be considered in breeding programs.
Cytogenetic and Molecular Diagnostics of XX/XY Chimerism in Cattle, Sheep, and Goats – A Review
Authors: Kozubska-Sobocińska Anna , Danielak-Czech Barbara , Rejduch Barbara 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Animal cell chimerism denotes the presence of two or more cell lines of different genetic origin. The most common form of chimerism, which occurs spontaneously in mammals, is the presence of two or more cell populations in animals derived from dizygotic twin or multiple pregnancies. The aim of this review is to present extensive information on XX/XY chimerism in cattle, sheep and goats from the Bovidae family. Additionally, it will discuss a methodology for a quick and accurate diagnosis of cell chimerism and make an analysis of cells obtained from gonads of animals derived from twin pregnancies which underwent an exchange of hematopoietic tissue as a result of anastomoses. The studies reviewed here led the authors to conclude that XX/XY chimerism is generally undesirable in livestock breeding. Females (freemartins) are infertile, whereas in male carriers of chimerism, the impact of this abnormality on sperm parameters is still under discussion, therefore every case of different-sex twin or multiple births should be analyzed individually.
Epigenetic alterations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Karachanak-Yankova S , Dimova R , Nikolova D , Nesheva D , Koprinarova M , Maslyankov S , Tafradjiska R , Gateva P , Velizarova M , Hammoudeh Z , Stoynev N , Toncheva D , Tankova T , Dimova I 
Published: April 2016

AbstractEpigenetic changes, in particular DNA methylation processes, play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) linking genetic and environmental factors. To clarify this role, we have analyzed in patients with different duration of T2DM: (i) expression levels of methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 2 (MBD2) as marker of DNA methylation, and ii) methylation changes in 22 genes connected to cellular stress and toxicity. We have analyzedMBD2mRNA expression levels in16 patients and 12 controls and the methylation status of stress and toxicity genes in four DNA pools: (i) controls; (ii) newly-diagnosed T2DM patients; (iii) patients with T2DM duration of <5 years and (iv) of >5 years. TheMBD2expression levels were 10.4-times increased on average in T2DM patients compared to controls. Consistent increase in DNA methylation fraction with the increase in T2DM duration was observed inPrdx2andSCARA3genes, connected to oxidative stress protection and inBRCA1andTp53tumor-suppressor genes. In conclusion, increasedMBD2expression in patients indicated general dysregulation of DNA methylation in T2DM. The elevated methylation ofPrdx2andSCARA3genes suggests disturbance in oxidative stress protection in T2DM. The increased methylation ofBRCA1andTp53genes unraveled an epigenetic cause for T2DM related increase in cancer risk.
Association of the ACE rs4646994 and rs4341 polymorphisms with the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in slovenian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Merlo S , Novák J , Tkáčová N , Nikolajević Starčević J , Šantl Letonja M , Makuc J , Cokan Vujkovac A , Letonja J , Bregar D , Zorc M , Rojko M , Mankoč S , Kruzliak P , Petrovič D 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The current study was designed to reveal possible associations between the angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphisms (rs4646994 and rs4341) with markers of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a 4-year-long follow-up study. Five hundred and ninety-five T2DM subjects and 200 control subjects were enrolled. Genotyping of ACE polymorphisms was performed using KASPar assays, and ultrasound examinations were performed twice (at the enrollment and at follow-up). With regard to the progression of atherosclerosis in subjects with T2DM, statistically significant differences were demonstrated in the change of the sum of carotid plaques thickness for the rs4646994 polymorphism. We did not demonstrate an association between the tested polymorphisms (rs4646994 and rs4341) and either carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) or CIMT progression in a 3.8-year period. In our study, we demonstrated that subjects with T2DM with the DD genotype of the rs4646994 [ACE insertion/deletion (I/D)] polymorphism had faster progression of atherosclerosis in comparison to subjects with other genotypes.
Sarcolemmal deficiency of sarcoglycan complex in an 18-month-old Turkish boy with a large deletion in the beta sarcoglycan gene
Authors: Diniz G , Tekgul H , Hazan F , Yararbas K , Tukun A 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2E (LGMD-2E) is caused by autosomal recessive defects in the beta sarcoglycan (SGCB) gene located on chromosome 4q12. In this case report, the clinical findings, histopathological features and molecular genetic data in a boy with β sarcoglycanopathy are presented. An 18-month-old boy had a very high serum creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) level that was accidentally determined. The results of molecular analyses for the dystrophin gene was found to be normal. He underwent a muscle biopsy which showed dystrophic features. Immunohistochemistry showed that there was a total loss of sarcolemmal sarcoglycan complex. DNA analysis revealed a large homozygous deletion in the SCGB gene. During 4 years of follow-up, there was no evidence to predict a severe clinical course except the muscle enzyme elevation and myopathic electromyography (EMG) finding. The presented milder phenotype of LGMD-2E with a large deletion in the SGCB gene provided additional support for the clinical heterogeneity and pathogenic complexity of the disease.
Investigations of mass transfer in annular gas-liquid flow in a microreactor
Authors: Sobieszuk Paweł , Napieralska Karolina 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The paper presents an investigation of mass transfer in gas-liquid annular flow in a microreactor. The microreactor had a meandered shape with a square cross-section of the channel (292×292 μm, hydraulic diameter 292 μm) and 250 mm in length. The rate of CO2 absorption from the CO2/N2 mixture in NaOH (0.1 M, 0.2 M, 0.7 M, 1.0 M and 1.5 M) water solutions was measured. Two velocities of gas flow and two velocities of liquid flow were used. In two cases a fully developed annular flow at the beginning of the channel was observed, whilst in two cases annular flow was formed only in about 2/3 of the microchannel length. Based on the measurements of CO2 absorption rate, the values of volumetric liquid - side mass transfer coefficients with the chemical reaction were determined. Then physical values of coefficients were found. Obtained results were discussed and their values were compared with the values predicted by literature correlations.
Acalyptrate flies (Diptera) on glacial sand deposits in the Hlučínsko region (NE Czech Republic): most interesting records
Authors: Roháček Jindřich 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Records of six species of the families Ulidiidae, Anthomyzidae, Asteiidae, Milichiidae, Chloropidae and Curtonotidae from glacial sand deposits in the Hlučínsko region (NW Czech Republic) are presented and their association with sandy habitats are discussed. Two thermophilous and/or xerophilous species, Anthomyza elbergi Andersson, 1976 (Anthomyzidae) and Desmometopa discipalpis Papp, 1993 (Milichiidae) represent new additions to the fauna of the Czech Republic. Two psammophilous or psammobiont species, Eutropha variegata Loew, 1866 (Chloropidae) and Curtonotum anus (Meigen, 1830) (Curtonotidae) are recorded for the first time from Moravia and the Czech Silesia respectively, the latter from a locality lying on northern border of its distributional range. Also Asteia elegantula Zetterstedt, 1847 (Asteiidae) is first recorded from the Czech Silesia and Desmometopa discipalpis is recorded from its northernmost known locality. Information on microhabitats of these species and also the psammobiont Tetanops myopina Fallén, 1820 (Ulidiidae) in sandpits are provided and most of them were photographed alive. The origins of populations of these species on glacial sands in the Hlučínsko region are discussed and it is concluded that while Asteia elegantula and Eutropha variegata are widespread in the W Palaearctic, Curtonotum anus and Desmometopa discipalpis are distinctly of southern origin and, most interestingly, Tetanops myopina and Anthomyza elbergi seem to originate from northern Europe and may have reached this area already during the Saalian glaciation (cca 160 000 ya).
Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris) in the Czech Republic: the historical occurrence of this species in Bohemia and its return on the checklist
Authors: Hudeček Jiří J. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris) is a higly endangered, almost extinct shorebird species in Europe. This paper describes little-known evidence about its occurrence in the Bohemian territory, which could help to get this species back on the checklist of birds in the Czech Republic.