bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time-dependent effects of ultraviolet and nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma on the biological activity of titanium
Authors: Choi Sung-Hwan , Jeong Won-Seok , Cha Jung-Yul , Lee Jae-Hoon , Yu Hyung-Seog , Choi Eun-Ha , Kim Kwang-Mahn , Hwang Chung-Ju 
Published: September 2016

AbstractHere, we evaluated time-dependent changes in the effects of ultraviolet (UV) and nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTAPPJ) on the biological activity of titanium compared with that of untreated titanium. Grade IV machined surface titanium discs (12-mm diameter) were used immediately and stored up to 28 days after 15-min UV or 10-min NTAPPJ treatment. Changes of surface characteristics over time were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, surface profiling, contact angle analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and surface zeta-potential. Changes in biological activity over time were as determined by analysing bovine serum albumin adsorption, MC3T3-E1 early adhesion and morphometry, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity between groups. We found no differences in the effects of treatment on titanium between UV or NTAPPJ over time; both treatments resulted in changes from negatively charged hydrophobic (bioinert) to positively charged hydrophilic (bioactive) surfaces, allowing enhancement of albumin adsorption, osteoblastic cell attachment, and cytoskeleton development. Although this effect may not be prolonged for promotion of cell adhesion until 4 weeks, the effects were sufficient to maintain ALP activity after 7 days of incubation. This positive effect of UV and NTAPPJ treatment can enhance the biological activity of titanium over time.
The coiled-coil domain of zebrafish TRPM7 regulates Mg·nucleotide sensitivity
Authors: Jansen Chad , Sahni Jaya , Suzuki Sayuri , Horgen F. David , Penner Reinhold , Fleig Andrea 
Published: September 2016

AbstractTRPM7 is a member of the Transient-Receptor-Potential Melastatin ion channel family. TRPM7 is a unique fusion protein of an ion channel and an α-kinase. Although mammalian TRPM7 is well characterized biophysically and its pivotal role in cancer, ischemia and cardiovascular disease is becoming increasingly evident, the study of TRPM7 in mouse models has been hampered by embryonic lethality of transgenic ablations. In zebrafish, functional loss of TRPM7 (drTRPM7) manifests itself in an array of non-lethal physiological malfunctions. Here, we investigate the regulation of wild type drTRPM7 and multiple C-terminal truncation mutants. We find that the biophysical properties of drTRPM7 are very similar to mammalian TRPM7. However, pharmacological profiling reveals that drTRPM7 is facilitated rather than inhibited by 2-APB, and that the TRPM7 inhibitor waixenicin A has no effect. This is reminiscent of the pharmacological profile of human TRPM6, the sister channel kinase of TRPM7. Furthermore, using truncation mutations, we show that the coiled-coil domain of drTRPM7 is involved in the channel’s regulation by magnesium (Mg) and Mg·adenosine triphosphate (Mg·ATP). We propose that drTRPM7 has two protein domains that regulate inhibition by intracellular magnesium and nucleotides, and one domain that is concerned with sensing magnesium only.
Global Ionospheric Modelling using Multi-GNSS: BeiDou, Galileo, GLONASS and GPS
Authors: Ren Xiaodong , Zhang Xiaohong , Xie Weiliang , Zhang Keke , Yuan Yongqiang , Li Xingxing 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe emergence of China’s Beidou, Europe’s Galileo and Russia’s GLONASS satellites has multiplied the number of ionospheric piercing points (IPP) offered by GPS alone. This provides great opportunities for deriving precise global ionospheric maps (GIMs) with high resolution to improve positioning accuracy and ionospheric monitoring capabilities. In this paper, the GIM is developed based on multi-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo) observations in the current multi-constellation condition. The performance and contribution of multi-GNSS for ionospheric modelling are carefully analysed and evaluated. Multi-GNSS observations of over 300 stations from the Multi-GNSS Experiment (MGEX) and International GNSS Service (IGS) networks for two months are processed. The results show that the multi-GNSS GIM products are better than those of GIM products based on GPS-only. Differential code biases (DCB) are by-products of the multi-GNSS ionosphere modelling, the corresponding standard deviations (STDs) are 0.06 ns, 0.10 ns, 0.18 ns and 0.15 ns for GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo, respectively in satellite, and the STDs for the receiver are approximately 0.2~0.4 ns. The single-frequency precise point positioning (SF-PPP) results indicate that the ionospheric modelling accuracy of the proposed method based on multi-GNSS observations is better than that of the current dual-system GIM in specific areas.
Flat-Lens Focusing of Electron Beams in Graphene
Authors: Tang Yang , Cao Xiyuan , Guo Ran , Zhang Yanyan , Che Zhiyuan , Yannick Fouodji T. , Zhang Weiping , Du Junjie 
Published: September 2016

AbstractCoupling electron beams carrying information into electronic units is fundamental in microelectronics. This requires precision manipulation of electron beams through a coupler with a good focusing ability. In graphene, the focusing of wide electron beams has been successfully demonstrated by a circular p-n junction. However, it is not favorable for information coupling since the focal length is so small that the focal spot locates inside the circular gated region, rather than in the background region. Here, we demonstrate that an array of gate-defined quantum dots, which has gradually changing lattice spacing in the direction transverse to propagation, can focus electrons outside itself, providing a possibility to make a coupler in graphene. The focusing effect can be understood as due to the gradient change of effective refractive indices, which are defined by the local energy band in a periodic potential. The strong focusing can be achieved by suitably choosing the lattice gradient and the layer number in the incident direction, offering an effective solution to precision manipulation of electron beams with wide electron energy range and high angular tolerance.
Crystal structures of the bifunctional tRNA methyltransferase Trm5a
Authors: Wang Caiyan , Jia Qian , Chen Ran , Wei Yuming , Li Juntao , Ma Jie , Xie Wei 
Published: September 2016

AbstracttRNA methyltransferase Trm5 catalyses the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosyl-L-methionine to G37 in eukaryotes and archaea. The N1-methylated guanosine is the product of the initial step of the wyosine hypermodification, which is essential for the maintenance of the reading frame during translation. As a unique member of this enzyme family, Trm5a from Pyrococcus abyssi (PaTrm5a) catalyses not only the methylation of N1, but also the further methylation of C7 on 4-demethylwyosine at position 37 to produce isowyosine, but the mechanism for the double methylation is poorly understood. Here we report four crystal structures of PaTrm5a ranging from 1.7- to 2.3-Å, in the apo form or in complex with various SAM analogues. These structures reveal that Asp243 specifically recognises the base moiety of SAM at the active site. Interestingly, the protein in our structures all displays an extended conformation, quite different from the well-folded conformation of Trm5b from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii reported previously, despite their similar overall architectures. To rule out the possibilities of crystallisation artefacts, we conducted the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments. The FRET data suggested that PaTrm5a adopts a naturally extended conformation in solution, and therefore the open conformation is a genuine state of PaTrm5a.
Methylcrotonoyl-CoA carboxylase 1 potentiates RLR-induced NF-κB signaling by targeting MAVS complex
Authors: Cao Zhongying , Xia Zhangchuan , Zhou Yaqin , Yang Xiaodan , Hao Hua , Peng Nanfang , Liu Shi , Zhu Ying 
Published: September 2016

AbstractRNA virus infections are detected by the RIG-I family of receptors, which signal through the adaptor molecule mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS). MAVS then recruits the adaptor’s tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF) 3 and TRAF6, which in turn activate IRF3 and NF-κB, respectively, to induce interferons (IFNs) and inflammatory responses. Here we show that the biotin-containing enzyme methylcrotonoyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (MCCC1) enhances virus-induced, MAVS-mediated IFN and inflammatory cytokine expression through the NF-κB signaling pathway. MCCC1 knockdown strongly inhibits induction of IFNs and inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, MCCC1 shows extensive antiviral activity toward RNA viruses, including influenza A virus, human enterovirus 71, and vesicular stomatitis virus. Here, we have elucidated the mechanism underlying MCCC1-mediated inhibition of viral replication. MCCC1 interacts with MAVS and components of the MAVS signalosome and contributes to enhanced production of type I IFNs and pro-inflammatory cytokines by promoting phosphorylation of the IκB kinase (IKK) complex and NF-κB inhibitor-α (IκBα), as well as NF-κB nuclear translocation. This process leads to activation of IFNs and cytokine expression and subsequent activation of IFN-stimulated genes, including double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase PKR and myxovirus resistance protein 1. These findings demonstrate that MCCC1 plays an essential role in virus-triggered, MAVS-mediated activation of NF-κB signaling.
Accurate dry etching technique for germanium waveguide by using CHF3 based inductively coupled plasma
Authors: Idris A.S. , Jiang H. , Hamamoto K. 
Published: September 2016

A CHF3 inductively coupled plasma (ICP) based dry etching method is proposed for accurate etching of Ge waveguides. CHF3 ICP based dry etching produces excellent anisotropy along with good selectivity with regards to regular polymeric photoresist, which leads to the elimination of under‐cut. As a result, an almost vertical sidewall angle of 85° with an etching rate of 190 nm/min was realised with a relatively high selectivity ratio of 5:1 against regular photoresist.
Highly sensitive 10 Gb/s PAM‐4 optical receiver circuit for three‐dimensional optoelectronic integration
Authors: Vokić Nemanja , Milovančev Dinka , Goll Bernhard , Zimmermann Horst 
Published: September 2016

This study presents a 0.35 µm silicon germanium bipolar complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor 10 Gb/s receiver circuit optimised for photonic–electronic three‐dimensional integration. Measurements were conducted on a test‐chip with a voltage‐input signal, which was converted to a current via a series resistor. On the basis of measurement results and using the expected value of the photodetector responsivity of 1 A/W, the PAM‐4 circuit consumes 145 mW, sensitivity is −21.8 dBm at 10 Gb/s, and at a bit error rate = 10−9.
Renal histopathological alterations induced by nanosilver toxicity: the size effect
Authors: Almansour Mansour , Jarrar Qais , Battah Abdelkader , Obeidat Fatima , Battah Khairat , Jarrar Bashir 
Published: September 2016

Nanosilver is widely used in medicine, industry, and other applications where it poses a high potential risk for human health, even though little information is available on its toxicity to vital organs. This study was conducted to determine the histopathological changes induced in renal tissues by various sizes of silver nanoparticles (SNPs). Male BALB/C mice were exposed to various sizes of SNPs for 5 weeks. Renal tissue samples from all members of all experimental groups were subjected to histological processing and histopathological examination. SNPs caused glomerular and tubular alterations in the form of tubular degeneration, necrosis, eosinophilia, glomerular shrinkage, and Bowman's capsule thickening. Moreover, SNPs induced interstitial intertubular regeneration, mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration, proteinaceous casting, and fibrocyte proliferation. These results indicated that smaller particles (10 and 20 nm) were more toxic than the larger ones (40, 60, and 100 nm). In addition, the cortex was more affected than the medulla, and the proximal tubules were more affected than the distal ones. The results of the current investigation reveal that SNPs induce histomorphological alterations in renal tissues, with size being a key factor in the toxicity of these particles.
Developing Bioenergetic-Based Habitat Suitability Curves for Instream Flow Models
Authors: Rosenfeld Jordan , Beecher Hal , Ptolemy Ron 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Instream flow models link a physical habitat model that predicts flow-related changes in hydraulics to a biological model that predicts the response of fish to altered velocity and depth. Habitat suitability curves (HSCs) based on frequency of habitat use (fish occurrence relative to available habitat) remain the most widely used biological models in habitat simulations. However, in some contexts fish density may be a poor indicator of habitat quality, leading to biased predictions of optimal flow. We explore the use of bioenergetics to derive mechanistic HSCs based on the fundamental energetics of habitat use. Using flow-related changes in production of Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch smolt as reference data to evaluate model predictions, we found that bioenergetic-based HSCs matched the validation data better than frequency-based HSCs, which systematically underestimated optimal flows. However, biases remained using bioenergetic HSCs, suggesting that habitat suitability may not be independent of discharge as is often assumed. Declining invertebrate drift concentration, increasing temperature, and density dependence of growth at low flows are potential mechanisms of flow-related declines in habitat suitability; measuring these effects and incorporating them into flow models is an important step in further improving model predictions, particularly at low flows.
Received December 3, 2015; accepted May 11, 2016
Synthesis of bovine serum albumin-protected high fluorescence Pt16-nanoclusters and their application to detect sulfide ions in solutions
Authors: Xu Na , Li Hong-Wei , Yue Yuan , Wu Yuqing 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Highly fluorescent (quantum yield, QY = 17%) Pt16-nanoclusters (Pt16-NCs@BSA) have been prepared via a one-step ultrasonic-assistance method by using cheap and easily available ascorbic acid as reductant and bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a stabilizing agent in aqueous solution. The fluorescence properties of the Pt-NCs@BSA can be easily controlled by optimizing conditions, and the products are extremely stable and could be used for the detection of sulfide ions (S2−) in solutions as a specific luminescence sensor. The present synthesis method is performed in one step, being cost-effective with a particularly short reaction time, which could be extended to the synthesis of other kinds of protein-protected Pt-NCs.
Pilonidal Sinus Disease: 10 Steps to Optimize Care
Authors: Harris Connie , Sibbald R. Gary , Mufti Asfandyar , Somayaji Ranjani 
Published: September 2016

PURPOSE:
To present a 10-step approach to the assessment and treatment of pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) and related wounds based on the Harris protocol, expert opinion, and a current literature review.

TARGET AUDIENCE:
This continuing education activity is intended for physicians and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

OBJECTIVES:
After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to:

ABSTRACT
Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is a common problem in young adults and particularly in males with a deep natal or intergluteal cleft and coarse body hair. An approach to an individual with PSD includes the assessment of pain, activities of daily living, the pilonidal sinus, and natal cleft. Local wound care includes the management of infection (if present), along with appropriate debridement and moisture management. Treatment is optimized with patient empowerment to manage the wound and periwound environment (cleansing, dressing changes, decontamination, hair removal, minimizing friction). Self-care education includes the recognition of recurrences or infection. Early surgical intervention of these wounds is often necessary for successful outcomes. Pilonidal sinus healing by secondary intention often takes weeks to months; however, the use of the Harris protocol may decrease healing times. A number of new surgical approaches may accelerate healing. Surgical closure by primary intention is often associated with higher recurrence rates. Expert opinion in this article is combined with an evidence-based literature review. The authors have tabulated 10 key steps from the Harris protocol, including a review of the surgical techniques to improve PSD patient outcomes.
Accuracy of an Extubation Readiness Test in Predicting Successful Extubation in Children With Acute Respiratory Failure From Lower Respiratory Tract Disease*
Authors: Faustino Edward Vincent S. , Gedeit Rainer , Schwarz Adam J. , Asaro Lisa A. , Wypij David , Curley Martha A.Q. 
Published: September 2016

Objective:
Identifying children ready for extubation is desirable to minimize morbidity and mortality associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation and extubation failure. We determined the accuracy of an extubation readiness test (Randomized Evaluation of Sedation Titration for Respiratory Failure extubation readiness test) in predicting successful extubation in children with acute respiratory failure from lower respiratory tract disease.

Design:
Secondary analysis of data from the Randomized Evaluation of Sedation Titration for Respiratory Failure clinical trial, a pediatric multicenter cluster randomized trial of sedation.

Setting:
Seventeen PICUs in the intervention arm.

Patients:
Children 2 weeks to 17 years receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for lower respiratory tract disease.

Intervention:
Extubation readiness test in which spontaneously breathing children with oxygenation index less than or equal to 6 were placed on Fio
2 of 0.50, positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 cm H2O, and pressure support.

Measurements and Main Results:
Of 1,042 children, 444 (43%) passed their first extubation readiness test. Of these, 295 (66%) were extubated within 10 hours of starting the extubation readiness test, including 272 who were successfully extubated, for a positive predictive value of 92%. Among 861 children who were extubated for the first time within 10 hours of performing an extubation readiness test, 788 passed their extubation readiness test and 736 were successfully extubated for a positive predictive value of 93%. The median time of day for extubation with an extubation readiness test was 12:15 hours compared with 14:54 hours for extubation without an extubation readiness test within 10 hours (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:
In children with acute respiratory failure from lower respiratory tract disease, an extubation readiness test, as described, should be considered at least daily if the oxygenation index is less than or equal to 6. If the child passes the extubation readiness test, there is a high likelihood of successful extubation.
Readmissions to Intensive Care: A Prospective Multicenter Study in Australia and New Zealand*
Authors: Santamaria John D. , Duke Graeme J. , Pilcher David V. , Cooper D. James , Moran John , Bellomo Rinaldo 
Published: September 2016

Objectives:
To determine factors independently associated with readmission to ICU and the independent association of readmission with subsequent mortality.

Design:
Prospective multicenter observational study.

Setting:
Forty ICUs in Australia and New Zealand.

Patients:
Consecutive adult patients discharged alive from ICU to hospital wards between September 2009 and February 2010.

Interventions:
Measurement of hospital mortality.

Measurements and Main Results:
We studied 10,210 patients and 674 readmissions. The median age was 63 years (interquartile range, 49–74), and 6,224 (61%) were male. The majority of readmissions were unplanned (84.1%) but only deemed preventable in a minority (8.9%) of cases. Time to first readmission was shorter for unplanned than planned readmission (3.2 vs 6.9 d; p < 0.001). Primary diagnosis changed between admission and readmission in the majority of patients (60.2%) irrespective of planned (58.2%) or unplanned (60.6%) status. Using recurrent event analysis incorporating patient frailty, we found no association between readmissions and hospital survival (hazard ratios: first readmission 0.88, second readmission 0.90, third readmission 0.44; p > 0.05). In contrast, age (hazard ratio, 1.03), a medical diagnosis (hazard ratio, 1.43), inotrope use (hazard ratio, 3.47), and treatment limitation order (hazard ratio, 17.8) were all independently associated with outcome.

Conclusions:
In this large prospective study, readmission to ICU was not an independent risk factor for mortality.
Cumulative Evidence of Randomized Controlled and Observational Studies on Catheter-Related Infection Risk of Central Venous Catheter Insertion Site in ICU Patients: A Pairwise and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Arvaniti Kostoula , Lathyris Dimitrios , Blot Stijn , Apostolidou-Kiouti Fani , Koulenti Despoina , Haidich Anna-Bettina 
Published: September 2016

Background:
Selection of central venous catheter insertion site in ICU patients could help reduce catheter-related infections. Although subclavian was considered the most appropriate site, its preferential use in ICU patients is not generalized and questioned by contradicted meta-analysis results. In addition, conflicting data exist on alternative site selection whenever subclavian is contraindicated.

Objective:
To compare catheter-related bloodstream infection and colonization risk between the three sites (subclavian, internal jugular, and femoral) in adult ICU patients.

Data Source:
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov.

Study Selection:
Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials and observational ones.

Data Extraction:
Extracted data were analyzed by pairwise and network meta-analysis.

Data Synthesis:
Twenty studies were included; 11 were observational, seven were randomized controlled trials for other outcomes, and two were randomized controlled trials for sites. We evaluated 18,554 central venous catheters: 9,331 from observational studies, 5,482 from randomized controlled trials for other outcomes, and 3,741 from randomized controlled trials for sites. Colonization risk was higher for internal jugular (relative risk, 2.25 [95% CI, 1.84–2.75]; I
2 = 0%) and femoral (relative risk, 2.92 [95% CI, 2.11–4.04]; I
2 = 24%), compared with subclavian. Catheter-related bloodstream infection risk was comparable for internal jugular and subclavian, higher for femoral than subclavian (relative risk, 2.44 [95% CI, 1.25–4.75]; I
2 = 61%), and lower for internal jugular than femoral (relative risk, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.34–0.89]; I
2 = 61%). When observational studies that did not control for baseline characteristics were excluded, catheter-related bloodstream infection risk was comparable between the sites.

Conclusions:
In ICU patients, internal jugular and subclavian may, similarly, decrease catheter-related bloodstream infection risk, when compared with femoral. Subclavian could be suggested as the most appropriate site, whenever colonization risk is considered and not, otherwise, contraindicated. Current evidence on catheter-related bloodstream infection femoral risk, compared with the other sites, is inconclusive.