bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Open microfluidic gel electrophoresis: Rapid and low cost separation and analysis of DNA at the nanoliter scale
Authors: Gutzweiler Ludwig , Gleichmann Tobias , Tanguy Laurent , Koltay Peter , Zengerle Roland , Riegger Lutz 
Published: April 2017

Gel electrophoresis is one of the most applied and standardized tools for separation and analysis of macromolecules and their fragments in academic research and in industry. In this work we present a novel approach for conducting on‐demand electrophoretic separations of DNA molecules in open microfluidic (OM) systems on planar polymer substrates. The approach combines advantages of slab gel, capillary‐ and chip‐based methods offering low consumable costs (<0.1$) circumventing cost‐intensive microfluidic chip fabrication, short process times (5 min per analysis) and high sensitivity (4 ng/μL dsDNA) combined with reasonable resolution (17 bases). The open microfluidic separation system comprises two opposing reservoirs of 2–4 μL in volume, a semi‐contact written gel line acting as separation channel interconnecting the reservoirs and sample injected into the line via non‐contact droplet dispensing and thus enabling the precise control of the injection plug and sample concentration. Evaporation is prevented by covering aqueous structures with PCR‐grade mineral oil while maintaining surface temperature at 15°C. The liquid gel line exhibits a semi‐circular cross section of adaptable width (∼200–600 μm) and height (∼30–80 μm) as well as a typical length of 15–55 mm. Layout of such liquid structures is adaptable on‐demand not requiring time consuming and repetitive fabrication steps. The approach was successfully demonstrated by the separation of a standard label‐free DNA ladder (100–1000 bp) at 100 V/cm via in‐line staining and laser induced fluorescent end‐point detection using an automated prototype.
Classifying Adults with Binge Eating Disorder Based on Severity Levels
Authors: Dakanalis Antonios , Riva Giuseppe , Serino Silvia , Colmegna Fabrizia , Clerici Massimo 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe clinical utility of the severity criterion for binge eating disorder (BED), introduced in the DSM‐5 as a means of addressing heterogeneity and variability in the severity of this disorder, was evaluated in 189 treatment‐seeking adults with (DSM‐5) BED. Participants classified with mild, moderate, severe and extreme severity of BED, based on their weekly frequency of binge eating episodes, differed significantly from each other in body mass index (BMI), eating disorder features, putative factors involved in the maintenance process of the disorder, comorbid mood, anxiety and personality disorders, psychological distress, social maladjustment and illness‐specific functional impairment (medium‐to‐large effect sizes). They were also statistically distinguishable in metabolic syndrome prevalence, even after adjusting for BMI (large effect size), suggesting the possibility of non‐BMI‐mediated mechanisms. The implications of the findings, providing support for the utility of the binge frequency as a severity criterion for BED, and directions for future research are outlined. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association
Regional patterns of postwildfire streamflow response in the Western United States: The importance of scale‐specific connectivity
Authors: Hallema Dennis W. , Sun Ge , Bladon Kevin D. , Norman Steven P. , Caldwell Peter V. , Liu Yongqiang , McNulty Steven G. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWildfires can impact streamflow by modifying net precipitation, infiltration, evapotranspiration, snowmelt, and hillslope run‐off pathways. Regional differences in fire trends and postwildfire streamflow responses across the conterminous United States have spurred concerns about the impact on streamflow in forests that serve as water resource areas. This is notably the case for the Western United States, where fire activity and burn severity have increased in conjunction with climate change and increased forest density due to human fire suppression. In this review, we discuss the effects of wildfire on hydrological processes with a special focus on regional differences in postwildfire streamflow responses in forests. Postwildfire peak flows and annual water yields are generally higher in regions with a Mediterranean or semi‐arid climate (Southern California and the Southwest) compared to the highlands (Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Northwest), where fire‐induced changes in hydraulic connectivity along the hillslope results in the delivery of more water, more rapidly to streams. No clear streamflow response patterns have been identified in the humid subtropical Southeastern United States, where most fires are prescribed fires with a low burn severity, and more research is needed in that region. Improved assessment of postwildfire streamflow relies on quantitative spatial knowledge of landscape variables such as prestorm soil moisture, burn severity and correlations with soil surface sealing, water repellency, and ash deposition. The latest studies furthermore emphasize that understanding the effects of hydrological processes on postwildfire dynamic hydraulic connectivity, notably at the hillslope and watershed scales, and the relationship between overlapping disturbances including those other than wildfire is necessary for the development of risk assessment tools.
A missense mutation in damage‐specific DNA binding protein 2 is a genetic risk factor for limbal squamous cell carcinoma in horses
Authors: Bellone Rebecca R. , Liu Jiayin , Petersen Jessica L. , Mack Maura , Singer‐Berk Moriel , Drögemüller Cord , Malvick Julia , Wallner Barbara , Brem Gottfried , Penedo M. Cecilia , Lassaline Mary 
Published: April 2017

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common cancer of the equine eye, frequently originating at the limbus, with the potential to invade the cornea, cause visual impairment, and result in loss of the eye. Several breeds of horses have a high occurrence of limbal SCC implicating a genetic basis for limbal SCC predisposition. Pedigree analysis in the Haflinger breed supports a simple recessive mode of inheritance and a genome‐wide association study (N = 23) identified a 1.5 Mb locus on ECA12 significantly associated with limbal SCC (Pcorrected= 0.04). Sequencing the most physiologically relevant gene from this locus,damage specific DNA binding protein 2(DDB2), identified a missense mutation (c.1013 C > T p.Thr338Met) that was strongly associated with limbal SCC (P = 3.41 × 10−10). Genotyping 42 polymorphisms narrowed the ECA12 candidate interval to 483 kb but did not identify another variant that was more strongly associated. DDB2 binds to ultraviolet light damaged DNA and recruits other proteins to perform global genome nucleotide excision repair. Computational modeling predicts this mutation to be deleterious by altering conformation of the β loop involved in photolesion recognition. ThisDDB2variant was also detected in two other closely related breeds with reported cases of ocular SCC, the Belgian and the Percheron, suggesting it may also be a SCC risk factor in these breeds. Furthermore, in humans xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group E, a disease characterized by sun sensitivity and increased risk of cutaneous SCC and melanomas, is explained by mutations inDDB2. Cross‐species comparison remains to be further evaluated.
Environmental perfluorooctane sulfonate exposure drives T cell activation in bottlenose dolphins
Authors: Soloff Adam C. , Wolf Bethany Jacobs , White Natasha D. , Muir Derek , Courtney Sean , Hardiman Gary , Bossart Gregory D. , Fair Patricia A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPerfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are highly stable compounds that have been associated with immunotoxicity in epidemiologic studies and experimental rodent models. Lengthy half‐lives and resistance to environmental degradation result in bioaccumulation of PFAAs in humans and wildlife. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), the most prevalent PFAA detected within the environment, is found at high levels in occupationally exposed humans. We have monitored the environmental exposure of dolphins in the Charleston, SC region for over 10 years and levels of PFAAs, and PFOS in particular, were significantly elevated. As dolphins may serve as large mammal sentinels to identify the impact of environmental chemical exposure on human disease, we sought to assess the effect of environmental PFAAs on the cellular immune system in highly exposed dolphins. Herein, we utilized a novel flow cytometry‐based assay to examine T cell‐specific responses to environmental PFAA exposure ex vivo and to exogenous PFOS exposure in vitro. Baseline PFOS concentrations were associated with significantly increased CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation from a heterogeneous resident dolphin population. Further analysis demonstrated that in vitro exposure to environmentally relevant levels of PFOS promoted proinflammatory cytokine production and proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner. Collectively, these findings indicate that PFOS is capable of inducing proinflammatory interferon‐gamma, but not immunoregulatory interleukin‐4 production in T cells, which may establish a state of chronic immune activation known to be associated with susceptibility to disease. These findings suggest that PFOS directly dysregulates the dolphin cellular immune system and has implications for health hazards. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Periarticular Bone Loss in Arthritis Is Induced by Autoantibodies Against Citrullinated Vimentin
Authors: Engdahl Cecilia , Bang Holger , Dietel Katharina , Lang Stefanie C , Harre Ulrike , Schett Georg 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

Periarticular bone loss is a long known but yet insufficiently understood phenomenon in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This study investigated whether autoimmunity against citrullinated proteins is causally involved in triggering periarticular bone loss. Periarticular bone loss was studied in the standard antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) mouse model with methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA) as well as a modified model with mutated citrullinated vimentin (MCV) alone or in combination with mBSA. Periarticular bone loss, subchondral osteoclastogenesis, as well as local expression of cytokines, osteoclast genes, and peptidyl-arginine deiminase (PAD) enzymes were assessed after arthritis induction. Immune cell and osteoclast precursor infiltration were detected in the periarticular bone marrow and local lymph nodes. In addition, periarticular bone loss was assessed upon challenge of mice with purified anti-MCV antibody. Despite inducing a milder form of arthritis than mBSA, MCV triggered significant periarticular bone loss associated with an increased infiltration of osteoclast precursors and mature osteoclasts in the periarticular bone marrow. MCV enhanced the expression of the osteoclast inducers RANKL and M-CSF, the cytokines IL-8, IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α, as well as PAD2 and PAD4 enzymes in the periarticular bone marrow. Furthermore, also anti-MCV antibody challenge induced significant periarticular bone loss and local osteoclastogenesis in the mice. Autoimmunity against citrullinated vimentin triggers periarticular bone loss by osteoclast activation in the bone marrow. These findings may explain why periarticular bone loss is already found very early in the disease course of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Effect of NGF From Venom of Chinese Cobra (Naja Atra)on Chondrocytes Proliferation and Metabolism In Vitro
Authors: Tan Jiachang , Lu Zhenhui , Miao Zhikang , Lei Danqing , Zheng Li , Zhao Jinmin 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTAutologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is promising strategy for cartilage repair. However, chondrocyte phenotype is easily lost when expanded in vitro which defined as “dedifferentiation.” To ensure successful therapy, an effective pro‐chondrogenic agent is necessary to overcome the obstacle of limited cell numbers in the restoration process, and dedifferentiation is a prerequisite. In the present study, we investigated the chondro‐protective effect of NGF from Chinese cobra venom on human chondrocytes by determination of its specific effect on cell viability, proliferation, morphology, GAG production, and cartilage specific gene expression. The results suggested that NGF showed no cytotoxicity to chondrocytes below the concentration of 16 µg/mL. DNA and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content were, respectively, improved in NGF groups comparing to the control (P < 0.05). NGF up‐regulate the gene expression of ACAN, SOX9, and COL2A1 while down‐regulate the expression level of COL1A1 (P < 0.05). Moreover, the results of viability assay, hematoxylin‐eosin, safranin O, and immunohistochemical staining also suggested better performances in NGF groups. NGF of 6 µg/mL shown lower cytotoxicity on chondrocytes, more glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) synthesis and up‐regulated chondrogenic gene expression. This study may provide a basis for the development of a novel agent for the treatment of articular cartilage defects. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4308–4316, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sonographic appearance of proliferative fasciitis‐‐‐A case report
Authors: Park So Young , Kim Gou Young , Chun Young Soo 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTProliferative fasciitis is a benign entity involving the subcutaneous tissues and fascias, characterized by the proliferation of fibroblast‐like spindle cells and ganglion‐like cells. However, proliferative fasciitis may be easily confused with sarcoma clinically and pathologically, because it appears as a rapidly growing painful mass and has histologic features such as high cellularity, bizarre morphologic patterns, mitotic figures, and diffuse infiltrative proliferation. Imaging findings of proliferative fasciitis have been very rarely reported. We report the sonographic findings in a case of proliferative fasciitis in a 43‐year‐old woman with histopathological correlation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:445–449, 2017
Understanding south‐east Australian rainfall projection uncertainties: the influence of patterns of projected tropical warming
Authors: Timbal B. , Fiddes S. , Brown J. R. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSouth‐Eastern Australia and, in particular the state of Victoria, has experienced record deficits of rainfall over the last 20 years, in which the cool part of the year from April to October has been most affected. This situation has created difficulties for water managers, farmers and fire services, with the need to provide more certainty about future climate trends becoming clear. The latest climate projections for South‐Eastern Australia project an overall drying in the cool part of the year with little change in the rest of the year. Although this is in line with current trends, very large uncertainties are associated with these projections. In this study, this range of projections has been investigated, first by assessing how the current suite of climate models simulate the regional rainfall as well as the tropical variability, known to be a key driver of south‐eastern Australian climate. The models were found to be reasonable overall, although a number overestimate Victorian summer rainfall. Model rainfall projections are found to be related to the models' projected patterns of tropical warming, where 60% of the range in cool season rainfall projections can be explained by the range of pattern of tropical changes. In addition, the projected drying tends to be more intense in the models best able to simulate summer rainfall, thus suggesting that the upper end of the uncertainty range is less likely to be realized as it may reflect inherent model biases, rather than physical changes.
Analysis of spatial patterns of daily precipitation and wet spell extremes in Southeast Asia
Authors: Mandapaka Pradeep V. , Qin Xiaosheng , Lo Edmond Y. M. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTThe study investigates the spatial distribution of extreme daily rainfall and wet spells in Southeast Asia (SEA) at annual, seasonal, and intraseasonal scales using 16 years of data from the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission. A detailed analysis is conducted using various indices that characterize exceedance probabilities and relative contribution of extremes to the total rainfall. The selected indices include the Gini index, which is a measure of overall inequality, and is employed for the first time to examine SEA rainfall characteristics. The favoured regions (hotspots) of rainfall extremes during each season are identified, and their linkages with terrain and seasonal winds discussed. The intraseasonal variability in rainfall extremes is investigated by focusing on different phases of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO). At the annual scale, four main hotspots are observed, which are located off the coast of Myanmar, over eastern Indian Ocean, northwestern Borneo and over Philippines. A majority of indices shows considerable land–sea contrast, with lower values over land. Lower Gini index as obtained for land regions indicate that the rainfall distribution, and the relative contribution of each class to the total rainfall are more uniform over land compared to sea. The land–sea contrast in indices is stronger during boreal summer and winter, and weaker during boreal fall. During boreal spring, the Myanmar coast has high probability of extremes, which further increases during boreal summer. The most evident hotspot regions during boreal fall and winter are along the coast of Vietnam, and the eastern coast of Malay Peninsula, respectively. The wind‐terrain interactions play a crucial role in determining the location of most hotspots. In general, the impact of active (suppressed) MJO phases is to increase (decrease) the probability of extremes in the study domain. However, local scale departures from this general pattern are observed, which are discussed in this work.
Mesoporous titanium oxide with high‐specific surface area as a coating for in‐tube solid‐phase microextraction combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Wang Xiuqin , Feng Juanjuan , Bu Yanan , Tian Yu , Luo Chuannan , Sun Min 
Published: April 2017

Stainless‐steel wires coated with mesoporous titanium oxide were placed into a polyether ether ketone tube for in‐tube solid‐phase microextraction, and the coating sorbent was characterized by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. It was combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography to build an online system. Using eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as the analytes, some conditions including sample flow rate, sample volume, organic solvent content, and desorption time were investigated. Under optimum conditions, an online analysis method was established and provided good linearity (0.03–30 μg/L), low detection limits (0.01–0.10 μg/L), and high enrichment factors (77.6–678). The method was applied to determine target analytes in river water and water sample of coal ash, and the recoveries are in the range of 80.6–106.6 and 80.9–103.5%, respectively. Compared with estrogens and plasticizers, extraction coating shows better extraction efficiency for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Trilobed pedicled superior gluteal artery perforator flap for lumbosacral defect coverage
Authors: Kim Ji Min , Lee Jun Ho , Oh Deuk Young , Moon Suk‐Ho 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundThere are many available options for the coverage of lumbosacral area defects. Surgeons usually use the superior gluteal artery perforator flap (SGAP) by rotational fashion, which risks complications, such as wound dehiscence or skin necrosis at the Y‐point on the donor site due to the tension. In this report, the authors present the experience of using trilobed pedicled SGAP flaps in coverage of the lumbosacral area defects.MethodsFrom 2011 to 2015, 16 trilobed pedicled SGAP flaps were performed for the coverage of sacral defects in our facility. The average defect sizes were 9.3 cm × 7.4 cm (ranging from 5 cm × 4 cm to 13 cm × 13 cm ). Trilobed flap were designed to include a reliable perforator vessel and rotated 90 degrees to the defect. All flaps included only one perforator vessel.ResultsThe average of flap sizes were 15.9 cm × 9.2 cm (ranging from 10 cm × 20 to 5 cm × 15 cm). Two cases of minimal distal margin necrosis (<1 cm) were reported in the flap tip area. The unviable distal area was completely healed after the excision and primary closure. All flaps survived completely. Patients were followed for an average of 14.8 months postoperatively (ranging 6–20 months). There was no recurrence of the pressure sore during the follow‐up period.ConclusionTrilobed pedicled SGAP flap successfully reconstructed various sized defects and reduced the distortion and tension of the wound, minimizing wound complications. This flap could reduce the hospital stay and the recurrence of the pressure sore.
Flexible capacity strategy in an asymmetric oligopoly market with competition and demand uncertainty
Authors: Yang Liu , Ng Chi To , Ni Yaodong 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis article studies flexible capacity strategy (FCS) under oligopoly competition with uncertain demand. Each firm utilizes either the FCS or inflexible capacity strategy (IFCS). Flexible firms can postpone their productions until observing the actual demand, whereas inflexible firms cannot. We formulate a new asymmetrical oligopoly model for the problem, and obtain capacity and production decisions of the firms at Nash equilibrium. It is interesting to verify that cross‐group competition determines the capacity allocation between the two groups of firms, while intergroup competition determines the market share within each group. Moreover, we show that the two strategies coexist among firms only when cost differentiation is medium. Counterintuitively, flexible firms benefit from increasing production cost when the inflexible competition intensity is sufficiently high. This is because of retreat of inflexible firms, flexibility effect, and the corresponding high price. We identify conditions under which FCS is superior than IFCS. We also demonstrate that flexible firms benefit from increasing demand uncertainty. However, when demand variance is not very large, flexible firms may be disadvantaged. We further investigate the effects of cross‐group and intergroup competition on individual performance of the firms. We show that as flexible competition intensity increases, inflexible firms are mainly affected by the cross‐group competition first and then by the intergroup competition, whereas flexible firms are mainly affected by the intergroup competition. Finally, we examine endogenous flexibility and identify its three drivers: cost parameters, cross‐group competition, and intergroup competition. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 64: 117–138, 2017