bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel method for correcting scanline-observational bias of discontinuity orientation
Authors: Huang Lei , Tang Huiming , Tan Qinwen , Wang Dingjian , Wang Liangqing , Ez Eldin Mutasim A. M. , Li Changdong , Wu Qiong 
Published: March 2016

AbstractScanline observation is known to introduce an angular bias into the probability distribution of orientation in three-dimensional space. In this paper, numerical solutions expressing the functional relationship between the scanline-observational distribution (in one-dimensional space) and the inherent distribution (in three-dimensional space) are derived using probability theory and calculus under the independence hypothesis of dip direction and dip angle. Based on these solutions, a novel method for obtaining the inherent distribution (also for correcting the bias) is proposed, an approach which includes two procedures: 1) Correcting the cumulative probabilities of orientation according to the solutions and 2) Determining the distribution of the corrected orientations using approximation methods such as the one-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The inherent distribution corrected by the proposed method can be used for discrete fracture network (DFN) modelling, which is applied to such areas as rockmass stability evaluation, rockmass permeability analysis, rockmass quality calculation and other related fields. To maximize the correction capacity of the proposed method, the observed sample size is suggested through effectiveness tests for different distribution types, dispersions and sample sizes. The performance of the proposed method and the comparison of its correction capacity with existing methods are illustrated with two case studies.
Sex-specific local life-history adaptation in surface- and cave-dwelling Atlantic mollies (Poecilia mexicana)
Authors: Riesch Rüdiger , Reznick David N. , Plath Martin , Schlupp Ingo 
Published: March 2016

AbstractCavefishes have long been used as model organisms showcasing adaptive diversification, but does adaptation to caves also facilitate the evolution of reproductive isolation from surface ancestors? We raised offspring of wild-caught surface- and cave-dwelling ecotypes of the neotropical fishPoecilia mexicanato sexual maturity in a 12-month common garden experiment. Fish were raised under one of two food regimes (high vs. low), and this was crossed with differences in lighting conditions (permanent darkness vs. 12:12 h light:dark cycle) in a 2 × 2 factorial design, allowing us to elucidate potential patterns of local adaptation in life histories. Our results reveal a pattern of sex-specific local life-history adaptation: Surface molly females had the highest fitness in the treatment best resembling their habitat of origin (high food and a light:dark cycle), and suffered from almost complete reproductive failure in darkness, while cave molly females were not similarly affected in any treatment. Males of both ecotypes, on the other hand, showed only weak evidence for local adaptation. Nonetheless, local life-history adaptation in females likely contributes to ecological diversification in this system and other cave animals, further supporting the role of local adaptation due to strong divergent selection as a major force in ecological speciation.
Large Optical Gain AlInN-Delta-GaN Quantum Well for Deep Ultraviolet Emitters
Authors: Tan Chee-Keong , Sun Wei , Borovac Damir , Tansu Nelson 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe optical gain and spontaneous emission characteristics of low In-content AlInN-delta-GaN quantum wells (QWs) are analyzed for deep ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LEDs) and lasers. Our analysis shows a large increase in the dominant transverse electric (TE) polarized spontaneous emission rate and optical gain. The remarkable enhancements in TE-polarized optical gain and spontaneous emission characteristics are attributed to the dominant conduction (C)-heavy hole (HH) transitions achieved by the AlInN-delta-GaN QW structure, which could lead to its potential application as the active region material for high performance deep UV emitters. In addition, our findings show that further optimizations of the delta-GaN layer in the active region are required to realize the high performance AlInN-based LEDs and lasers with the desired emission wavelength. This work illuminates the high potential of the low In-content AlInN-delta-GaN QW structure to achieve large dominant TE-polarized spontaneous emission rates and optical gains for high performance AlN-based UV devices.
Pt-Free Counter Electrodes with Carbon Black and 3D Network Epoxy Polymer Composites
Authors: Kang Gyeongho , Choi Jongmin , Park Taiho 
Published: March 2016

AbstractCarbon black (CB) and a 3D network epoxy polymer composite, representing dual functions for conductive corrosion protective layer (CCPL) and catalytic layer (CL) by the control of CB weight ratio against polymer is developed. Our strategy provides a proper approach which applies high catalytic ability and chemical stability of CB in corrosive triiodide/iodide (I3−/I−) redox electrolyte system. The CB and a 3D network epoxy polymer composite coated on the stainless steel (SS) electrode to alternate counter electrodes in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). A two-step spray pyrolysis process is used to apply a solution containing epoxy monomers and a polyfunctional amine hardener with 6 wt% CB to a SS substrate, which forms a CCPL. Subsequently, an 86 wt% CB is applied to form a CL. The excellent catalytic properties and corrosion protective properties of the CB and 3D network epoxy polymer composites produce efficient counter electrodes that can replace fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) with CCPL/SS and Pt/FTO with CL/CCPL/SS in DSSCs. This approach provides a promising approach to the development of efficient, stable, and cheap solar cells, paving the way for large-scale commercialization.
Predictors of surgical outcome in thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum: focusing on the quantitative signal intensity
Authors: Zhang JingTao , Wang LinFeng , Li Jie , Yang Peng , Shen Yong 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe association between intramedullary increased signal intensity (ISI) on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and surgical outcome in thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) remains controversial. We aimed to determine the impact of signal change ratio (SCR) on thoracic OLF surgical outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed 96 cases of thoracic OLF surgery and investigated myelopathy severity, symptom duration, MRI and computed tomographic findings, surgical technique and postoperative recoveries. Surgical outcomes were evaluated according to the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and recovery rate. JOA recovery rate <50% was defined as a poor surgical outcome. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, we identified risk factors associated with surgical outcomes. Forty patients (41.7%) had a recovery rate of <50%. In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the optimal preoperative SCR cutoff value as a predictor of poor surgical outcome was 1.54. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a preoperative SCR ≥1.54 and symptom duration >12 months were significant risk factors for a poor surgical outcome. These findings suggest that preoperative SCR and duration of symptoms were significant risk factors of surgical outcome for patients with thoracic OLF. Patients with preoperative SCR ≥1.54 can experience poor postoperative recovery.
Targeted proteomics identify metabolism-dependent interactors of yeast cytochrome c peroxidase: implications in stress response and heme trafficking
Authors: Kathiresan M , English A M 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Recently we discovered that cytochrome c peroxidase (Ccp1) functions primarily as a mitochondrial H2O2 sensor and heme donor in yeast cells. When cells switch their metabolism from fermentation to respiration mitochondrial H2O2 levels spike, and overoxidation of its polypeptide labilizes Ccp1’s heme. A large pool of heme-free Ccp1 exits the mitochondria and enters the nucleus and vacuole. To gain greater insight into the mechanisms of Ccp1’s H2O2-sensing and heme-donor functions during the cell’s different metabolic states, here we use glutathione-S-transferase (GST) pulldown assays, combined with 1D gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry to probe for interactors of apo- and holoCcp1 in extracts from 1 d fermenting and 7 d stationary-phase respiring yeast. We identified Ccp1’s peroxidase cosubstrate Cyc1 and 28 novel interactors of GST-apoCcp1 and GST-holoCcp1 including mitochondrial superoxide dismutase 2 (Sod2) and cytosolic Sod1, the mitochondrial transporter Pet9, the three yeast isoforms of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Tdh3/2/1), heat shock proteins including Hsp90 and Hsp70, and the main peroxiredoxin in yeast (Tsa1) as well as its cosubstrate, thioreoxin (Trx1). These new interactors expand the scope of Ccp1’s possible roles in stress response and in heme trafficking and suggest several new lines of investigation. Furthermore, our targeted proteomics analysis underscores the limitations of large-scale interactome studies that found only 4 of the 30 Ccp1 interactors isolated here.
Enhanced translation initiation factor 4G levels correlate with production levels of monoclonal antibodies in recombinant CHO cell lines
Authors: Pavitt Graham D. 
Published: March 2016

Using cells to manufacture protein-based therapeutics or biopharmaceuticals is a rapidly expanding industrial activity. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are the most frequently used mammalian host-expression system for the manufacture of biopharmaceuticals. Over the past ∼30 years academic and industrial researchers have studied cell expression characteristics with aims to improve product yield, quality, scalability and reproducibility. Although many steps in the gene expression and secretion pathways have been optimized, little attention has been paid to optimizing protein synthesis factors and regulators during this process. A new study in Biochemical Journal by Mead et al., provides a first systematic study of several protein synthesis factors and finds that the expression level of eIF4G1 correlates with the level of recombinant protein expressed in cultures. Optimizing levels and activities of protein synthesis factors may help to enhance recombinant protein expression of biopharmaceuticals.
Kostenloser Wegweiser
Authors: Ulrich Mirjam 
Published: March 2016

Weltweit nimmt die Zahl der resistenten Erreger zu, auch in Kliniken. Ein Grund ist, dass Ärzte Antibiotika falsch einsetzen. Ein kostenfreies Onlineprogramm unterstützt nun Klinikärzte, die jeweils optimale Antibiotikatherapie zu finden. Es berücksichtigt neueste wissenschaftliche
Erkenntnisse und klinikeigene “Problemkeime”.
Evaluation of Pericardial Fluid C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Patients Undergoing Coronary Bypass Surgery
Authors: Karahan Oguz , Karabacak Mustafa , Yuksel Volkan , Huseyin Serhat , Mavitas Binali , Guclu Orkut 
Published: March 2016

Background Neurohumoral and hemodynamic mechanisms have an effect on cardiac activity. C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is accessible in the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to determine whether CNP concentrations in pericardial fluid and blood are related to cardiac dysfunction in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
Materials and Methods In this study, 40 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were enrolled. The patients were separated into two groups according to left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF): group 1 contained 28 patients with normal LV systolic function (LVEF ≥ 50%) and group 2 contained 12 patients with impaired LV systolic function (LVEF < 45%). Plasma and pericardial fluid samples were acquired during surgery to measure CNP levels.
Results In group 1, CNP levels were detected to be 0.46 ± 0.10 ng/mL in plasma and 0.66 ± 0.8 ng/mL in pericardial liquid. In group 2, these levels were 0.51 ± 0.09 and 0.79 ± 0.12 ng/mL, respectively. CNP levels were determined to be significantly higher in patients with low EF compared with those with normal EF in pericardial fluid concentrations (p = 0.013).
Conclusions CNP level in pericardial fluid is a more sensitive and proper marker of LV dysfunction than CNP levels in plasma. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to examine pericardial fluid CNP levels in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. It may have a valuable role in organizing cardiac remodeling and hypertrophy.
Sirtuin 1 Stimulation Attenuates Ischemic Liver Injury and Enhances Mitochondrial Recovery and Autophagy
Authors: Khader Adam , Yang Weng-Lang , Godwin Andrew , Prince Jose M. , Nicastro Jeffrey M. , Coppa Gene F. , Wang Ping 
Published: March 2016

Objectives:
Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion is a major clinical problem with limited treatment options. The pathophysiology of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion is characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular energy deficits. Sirtuin 1 is an energy-sensing enzyme known to modulate mitochondrial biogenesis. We hypothesized that pharmacologic activation of sirtuin 1 is protective after hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Design:
Animal study.

Setting:
University-based experimental laboratory.

Subjects:
Wild-type C57BL/6 mice.

Interventions:
C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 60-minute partial hepatic ischemia-reperfusion and posttreated with sirtuin 1 activator, SRT1720 (20 mg/kg), or vehicle. Blood and liver were collected at 24 hours after ischemia-reperfusion for analyses of hepatic injury, adenosine triphosphate levels, mitochondrial mass, autophagy, inflammation, and oxidative stress. H4IIE hepatoma cells and rat primary hepatocytes were incubated with oxyrase to induce hypoxia followed by reoxygenation in the presence or absence of SRT1720 for assessment of mitochondrial mass, mitochondrial membrane potential, and autophagy.

Measurements and Main Results:
SRT1720 restored the reduction in mitochondrial mass, enhanced autophagy, and preserved adenosine triphosphate levels in the liver after ischemia-reperfusion, which was associated with a decrease in ischemia-reperfusion–induced hepatic injury, apoptosis, and necrosis. Ischemia-reperfusion–induced inflammation was also significantly reduced by SRT1720 as measured by systemic and hepatic cytokine and chemokine levels, as well as a decrease in neutrophil infiltration to the liver. Furthermore, oxidative stress was markedly attenuated in the SRT1720-treated mice compared with the vehicle. SRT1720 treatment increased adenosine triphosphate levels and survival of cultured hepatocytes after hypoxia-reoxygenation. SRT1720 not only increased the mitochondrial mass but also increased mitochondrial membrane potential per cell in cultured hepatocytes after hypoxia-reoxygenation. Moreover, SRT1720 prevented the hypoxia-reoxygenation–induced mitochondrial depolarization and resulted in an enhancement of autophagy in cultured hepatocytes after hypoxia-reoxygenation.

Conclusions:
Pharmacologic stimulation of sirtuin 1 attenuates liver injury after hepatic ischemia-reperfusion by restoring mitochondrial mass and membrane potential, which is associated with the enhancement of autophagy.
Impact of a Sequential Intervention on Albumin Utilization in Critical Care*
Authors: Lyu Peter F. , Hockenberry Jason M. , Gaydos Laura M. , Howard David H. , Buchman Timothy G. , Murphy David J. 
Published: March 2016

Objectives:
Literature generally finds no advantages in mortality risk for albumin over cheaper alternatives in many settings. Few studies have combined financial and nonfinancial strategies to reduce albumin overuse. We evaluated the effect of a sequential multifaceted intervention on decreasing albumin use in ICU and explore the effects of different strategies.

Design:
Prospective prepost cohort study.

Setting:
Eight ICUs at two hospitals in an academic healthcare system.

Patients:
Adult patients admitted to study ICUs from September 2011 to August 2014 (n = 22,004).

Interventions:
Over 2 years, providers in study ICUs participated in an intervention to reduce albumin use involving monthly feedback and explicit financial incentives in the first year and internal guidelines and order process changes in the second year.

Measurements and Main Results:
Outcomes measured were albumin orders per ICU admission, direct albumin costs, and mortality. Mean (sd) utilization decreased 37% from 2.7 orders (6.8) per admission during the baseline to 1.7 orders (4.6) during the intervention (p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that the intervention was independently associated with 0.9 fewer orders per admission, a 42% relative decrease. This adjusted effect consisted of an 18% reduction in the probability of using any albumin (p < 0.001) and a 29% reduction in the number of orders per admission among patients receiving any (p < 0.001). Secondary analysis revealed that probability reductions were concurrent with internal guidelines and order process modification while reductions in quantity occurred largely during the financial incentives and feedback period. Estimated cost savings totaled $2.5M during the 2-year intervention. There was no significant difference in ICU or hospital mortality between baseline and intervention.

Conclusions:
A sequential intervention achieved significant reductions in ICU albumin use and cost savings without changes in patient outcomes, supporting the combination of financial and nonfinancial strategies to align providers with evidence-based practices.
Effects of Tocilizumab on Experimental Severe Acute Pancreatitis and Associated Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Chen Ke-Ling , Lv Zhao-Ying , Yang Hong-Wei , Liu Yong , Long Fei-Wu , Zhou Bin , Sun Xiao-Feng , Peng Zhi-Hai , Zhou Zong-Guang , Li Yuan 
Published: March 2016

Objective:
To examine the therapeutic effects of tocilizumab, an antibody against interleukin-6 receptor, on experimental severe acute pancreatitis and associated acute lung injury. The optimal dose of tocilizumab and the activation of interleukin-6 inflammatory signaling were also investigated.

Design:
Randomized experiment.

Setting:
Research laboratory at a university hospital.

Subject:
Experimental severe acute pancreatitis in rats.

Interventions:
Severe acute pancreatitis was induced by retrograde injection of sodium taurocholate (50 mg/kg) into the biliopancreatic duct. In dose-study, rats were administered with different doses of tocilizumab (1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 mg/kg) through the tail vein after severe acute pancreatitis induction. In safety-study, rats without severe acute pancreatitis induction were treated with high doses of tocilizumab (8, 16, 32, and 64 mg/kg). Serum and tissue samples of rats in time-study were collected for biomolecular and histologic evaluations at different time points (2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hr).

Measurements and Main Results:
1) Under the administration of tocilizumab, histopathological scores of pancreas and lung were decreased, and severity parameters related to severe acute pancreatitis and associated lung injury, including serum amylase, C-reactive protein, lung surfactant protein level, and myeloperoxidase activity, were all significant alleviated in rat models. 2) Dose-study demonstrated that 2 mg/kg tocilizumab was the optimal treatment dose. 3) Basing on multi-organ pathologic evaluation, physiological and biochemical data, no adverse effect and toxicity of tocilizumab were observed in safety-study. 4) Pancreatic nuclear factor-κB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 were deactivated, and the serum chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 was down-regulated after tocilizumab administration.

Conclusions:
Our study demonstrated tocilizumab, as a marketed drug commonly used for immune-mediated diseases, was safe and effective for the treatment of experimental severe acute pancreatitis and associated acute lung injury. Our findings provide experimental evidences for potential clinical application of tocilizumab in severe acute pancreatitis and associated complications.
Melioidosis Causing Critical Illness: A Review of 24 Years of Experience From the Royal Darwin Hospital ICU*
Authors: Stephens Dianne P. , Thomas Jane H. , Ward Linda M. , Currie Bart J. 
Published: March 2016

Objectives:
Melioidosis is increasing in incidence with newly recognized foci of melioidosis in the Americas, Africa, and elsewhere. This review describes the demographics, management, and outcomes of a large cohort of critically ill patients with melioidosis.

Design:
Data were extracted from two prospective databases—the Menzies School of Health Research Melioidosis Database (1989–2013) and the Royal Darwin Hospital ICU Melioidosis Database (2001–2013).

Setting and Patients:
The Royal Darwin Hospital ICU is the only ICU in the tropical Top End of Northern Territory of Australia, an endemic area for melioidosis. The study included all patients with melioidosis admitted to Royal Darwin Hospital ICU from 1989 to 2013.

Measurements and Main Results:
From 1989 to 2013, 207 patients with melioidosis required admission to ICU. Mortality reduced from 92% (1989–1997) to 26% (1998–2013) (p < 0.001). The reduced mortality coincided with the introduction of an intensivist-led service, meropenem, and adjuvant granulocyte colony–stimulating factor for confirmed melioidosis sepsis in 1998. Pneumonia was the presenting illness in 155 of 207 (75%). ICU melioidosis patients (2001–2013) had an Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score of 23, median length of stay in the ICU of 7 days, and median ventilation hours of 130 and one third required renal replacement therapy.

Conclusions:
The mortality for critically ill patients with melioidosis in the Top End of the Northern Territory of Australia has substantially reduced over the past 24 years. The reduction in mortality coincided with the introduction of an intensivist-led model of care, the empiric use of meropenem, and adjunctive treatment with granulocyte colony–stimulating factor in 1998.
The Fragility Index in Multicenter Randomized Controlled Critical Care Trials*
Authors: Ridgeon Elliott E. , Young Paul J. , Bellomo Rinaldo , Mucchetti Marta , Lembo Rosalba , Landoni Giovanni 
Published: March 2016

Objectives:
Recent literature has drawn attention to the potential inadequacy of frequentist analysis and threshold p values as tools for reporting outcomes in clinical trials. The fragility index, which is a measure of how many events the statistical significance of a result depends on, has been suggested as a means to aid the interpretation of trial results. This study aimed to calculate the fragility index of clinical trials in critical care medicine reporting a statistically significant effect on mortality (increasing or decreasing mortality).

Data Sources:
Literature search (PubMed/MEDLINE) to identify all multicenter randomized controlled trials in critical care medicine.

Study Selection:
We identified 862 trials; of which 56 fulfilled eligibility criteria and were included in our analysis.

Data Extraction:
Calculation of fragility index for trials reporting a statistically significant effect on mortality, and analysis of the relationship between trial characteristics and fragility index.

Data Synthesis:
The median fragility index was 2 (interquartile range, 1–3.5), and greater than 40% of trials had a fragility index of less than or equal to 1. 12.5% of trials reported loss to follow-up greater than their fragility index. Trial sample size was positively correlated, and reported p value was negatively correlated, with fragility index.

Conclusions:
In critical care trials reporting statistically significant effects on mortality, the findings often depend on a small number of events. Critical care clinicians should be wary of basing decisions on trials with a low fragility index. We advocate the reporting of fragility index for future trials in critical care to aid interpretation and decision making by clinicians.