bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic validity of flow cytometry vs manual counting of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Authors: Osman Heba Ahmed , Aly Sanaa Shaker , Salah‐Eldin Eman M. , El‐Masry Muhammad Abbas , Hassan Mohammed H. 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundSpontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is frequently occurring infection among patients with liver cirrhosis, defined by polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytic count ≥250 cell/mm3 with or without a positive ascitic fluid (AF) bacterial culture. So, this study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of flow cytometry versus manual counting of ascitic fluid PMNL in cirrhotic patients, with clinical suspicion of SBP.MethodsA hospital‐based cross‐sectional study was carried out on 320 cirrhotic patients with clinical suspicion of SBP. Abdominal paracentesis was performed in all cases for microscopic manual and flow cytometry counting of PMNL. Anti‐HLA‐DR, anti‐CD15, anti‐CD16, and anti‐CD45 monoclonal antibodies were used for flow cytometry method.ResultsFlow cytometric PMNL count had 100% sensitivity and specificity, while manual PMNL count had a sensitivity of 65.52% and specificity of 90% with significant difference (P value < .05).ConclusionFlow cytometry is more reliable rapid method for PMNL counting, than the manual method that is less accurate and time‐consuming in diagnosing clinically suspected SBP.
Melanoidin removal from aqueous systems by a hybrid flotation‐filtration technique
Authors: Christoforakos Nikolaos PR , Lazaridis Nikolaos K 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDMelanoidins are brown colored polymers found in wastewater produced by the fermentation industry. Melanoidins are recalcitrant compounds that are toxic to living systems, therefore, must be treated before disposal. The aim of the present study is the removal of melanoidins from simulated effluents by a hybrid flotation–filtration process. Coagulation‐flocculation or adsorption processes were evaluated as pre‐treatment stages.RESULTSIn the coagulation hybrid flotation/filtration process, coagulation is realized by ferric ions and a cationic flocculant, flotation by sodium dodecyl sulfate and filtration by a 250 µm filter. In the adsorption hybrid flotation/filtration process, adsorption is performed by powdered activated carbon, flotation by sodium dodecyl sulfate and filtration by a 16–40 µm filter.CONCLUSIONThe results show effective melanoidin removal (about 90%) for both processes and limited filter fouling in the second process, which was corrected by air back‐flushing. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Separation of immunoglobulin G using aqueous biphasic systems composed of cholinium‐based ionic liquids and poly(propylene glycol)
Authors: Ramalho Catarina C , Neves Catarina MSS , Quental Maria V , Coutinho João AP , Freire Mara G 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe use of antibodies, such as immunoglobulin G (IgG), has seen a significant growth in recent decades for biomedical and research purposes. However, antibodies are high cost biopharmaceuticals, for which the development of alternative and cost‐effective purification strategies is still in high demand.RESULTSAqueous biphasic systems (ABS) composed of poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) and cholinium‐based ionic liquids (ILs) were investigated for the separation of IgG. The ABS phase diagrams were determined whenever required. Initial studies with commercial IgG were carried out, followed by IgG separation from rabbit serum. In all ABS, IgG preferentially partitions to the IL‐rich phase, unveiling preferential interactions between IgG and ILs. Extraction efficiencies ranging between 93% and 100%, and recovery yields ranging between 20% and 100%, were obtained for commercial IgG. Two of the best and two of the worst identified ABS were then evaluated for their performance to separate IgG from rabbit serum, where extraction efficiencies of 100% and recovery yields >80% were obtained. Under the best conditions studied, IgG with a purity level of 49% was obtained in a single‐step. After an ultrafiltration step applied to the best ABS, allowing the IgG recovery from the IL‐rich phase, the IgG purity level increased to 66%. This purity level of IgG is higher than those previously reported using other IL–polymer ABS.CONCLUSIONIgG preferentially migrates to the IL‐rich phase in ABS formed by ILs and polymers, allowing the design of effective separation systems for its recovery from serum samples. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Creative at Each Age: Age‐Related Differences in Drivers of Workplace Creativity from an Experience Sampling Study
Authors: Volmer Judith , Richter Stefanie , Syrek Christine J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCreativity and innovation are essential agents for change processes and accelerating technical development. Having to face challenges, such as demographic change, organizations require individuals who are creative and innovative at each age. Previous research identified affect as a crucial determinant of creativity, even though empirical findings showed inconsistencies. Drawing on literature on age‐related changes in affective experiences, we investigated the moderating effect of employees’ age on the association between daily positive and negative affect and creativity using a daily diary study. A total of 116 employees responded to daily questionnaires twice a day over five consecutive working days. As expected, hierarchical linear modeling analyses revealed differential effects regarding the affect‐creativity association, dependent on employees’ age. Although older employees were most creative on days when they experienced a high level of positive affect (compared to their mean level of positive affect), younger employees were particularly creative when experiencing negative affect (compared to their mean level of negative affect). We discuss practical implications on how organizations could provide creativity‐enhancing work environments for employees at each age.
High‐Power, High‐Efficiency Tm:YAG and Ho:YAG Thin‐Disk Lasers
Authors: Zhang Jinwei , Schulze Felix , Mak Ka Fai , Pervak Vladimir , Bauer Dominik , Sutter Dirk , Pronin Oleg 
Published: January 2018

AbstractContinuous‐wave Tm:YAG and Ho:YAG thin‐disk lasers with maximum optical‐to‐optical efficiencies of 41% and 58% respectively are presented. Pumped by a 780 nm laser diode, the Tm:YAG laser generated a maximum output power of 24 W. In comparison, the Ho:YAG laser, pumped by a fiber laser at 1908 nm, delivered a maximum output power of 50 W. The reported output powers are, to the best of our knowledge, the highest among all thin‐disk lasers emitting at ≈2 μm, and provide a solid foundation for the further development of next‐generation 2 μm thin‐disk technologies.
Local transmitting boundaries for the generalized interpolation material point method
Authors: Bisht Vibhav , Salgado Rodrigo 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe boundary‐value problems of mechanics can be solved using the material point method with explicit solver formulations. In explicit formulations, even quasi‐static problems are solved as if dynamic, which means that waves are reflected at computational boundaries, generating spurious oscillations in the solution to the boundary‐value problem. Such oscillations can be reduced to a level such that they are barely noticeable with the use of transmitting boundaries. Current implementations of transmitting boundaries in the material point method are limited to the standard viscous boundary. The absence of any stiffness component in the standard viscous boundary may lead to an undesirable finite rigid‐body motion over time. This motion can be minimized through the adoption of the transmitting cone boundary that approximates the stiffness of the unbounded domain. This paper lays out the implementation of the transmitting cone boundary for the generalized interpolation material point method. The cone boundary reflection‐canceling tractions can be applied to either the edges or the centroids of material points; this paper discusses the implications of both approaches.
Hydrophobicity‐enhanced adhesion of novel biomimetic biocompatible polyaspartamide derivative glues
Authors: Wang Bo , Lee Jae Sang , Jeon Young‐Sil , Kim Jaeyun , Kim Ji‐Heung 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe development of wet bioadhesives for tissue fixation and wound care remains a challenge. While various commercial bioadhesive products based on both natural and synthetic materials are available, both types of adhesive have several drawbacks including weak adhesion or toxicity. In this study, we present a novel mussel‐inspired synthetic adhesive based on polyaspartamide derivatives modified with dopamine and a series of hydrophobic n‐alkylamines (lauryl, octyl, hexyl and butyl), which shows very strong adhesion toward various types of substrates such as paper, glass and metals as well as several common plastics (0.1–0.6 MPa). Additionally, the effect of adding metal ions (Mg2+, Ca2+) as a coordination crosslinker to enhance adhesion performance was investigated using acryl plastic substrate. Even under deionized water conditions, the strong adhesion was found to be maintained for an appreciably long time after 24 h. This novel and biocompatible polymer glue system has potential in various applications including as a medical tissue adhesive and sealant. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Osteoblast‐derived factors promote metastatic potential in human prostate cancer cells, in part via non‐canonical transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling
Authors: Karlsson Terese , Sundar Reshma , Widmark Anders , Landström Maréne , Persson Emma 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundTransforming growth factor β (TGFβ) functions as a double‐edged sword in prostate cancer tumorigenesis. In initial stages of the disease, TGFβ acts as a growth inhibitor upon tumor cells, whereas it in later stages of disease rather promotes invasion and metastatic potential. One well‐known cellular source of TGFβ in the bone metastatic site is the bone‐forming osteoblasts. Here we have studied the effects by osteoblast‐derived factors on metastatic potential in several human prostate cancer cell lines.MethodsEffects on metastatic potential in prostate cancer cells by osteoblast‐derived factors were studied in vitro using several methods, including Transwell migration and evaluation of formation of pro‐migratory protrusions. Confocal microscopy was used to evaluate possible changes in differentiation state in tumor cells by analysis of markers for epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). The Matrigel‐on‐top 3D culture method was used for further assessment of metastatic characteristics in tumor cells by analysis of formation of filopodium‐like protrusions (FLPs).ResultsOsteoblast‐derived factors increased migration of PC‐3U cells, an effect less prominent in cells overexpressing a mutated type I TGFβ receptor (TβRI) preventing non‐canonical TRAF6‐dependent TGFβ signaling. Osteoblast‐derived factors also increased the formation of long protrusions and loss of cell‐cell contacts in PC‐3U cells, suggesting induction of a more aggressive phenotype. In addition, treatment with TGFβ or osteoblast‐derived factors of PC‐3U cells in Matrigel‐on‐top 3D cultures promoted formation of FLPs, previously shown to be essential for metastatic establishment.ConclusionsThese findings suggests that factors secreted from osteoblasts, including TGFβ, can induce several cellular traits involved in metastatic potential of PC‐3U cells, further strengthening the role for bone cells to promote metastatic tumor cell behavior.
Investigating energy‐based pool structure selection in the structure ensemble modeling with experimental distance constraints: The example from a multidomain protein Pub1
Authors: Zhu Guanhua , Liu Wei , Bao Chenglong , Tong Dudu , Ji Hui , Shen Zuowei , Yang Daiwen , Lu Lanyuan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe structural variations of multidomain proteins with flexible parts mediate many biological processes, and a structure ensemble can be determined by selecting a weighted combination of representative structures from a simulated structure pool, producing the best fit to experimental constraints such as interatomic distance. In this study, a hybrid structure‐based and physics‐based atomistic force field with an efficient sampling strategy is adopted to simulate a model di‐domain protein against experimental paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) data that correspond to distance constraints. The molecular dynamics simulations produce a wide range of conformations depicted on a protein energy landscape. Subsequently, a conformational ensemble recovered with low‐energy structures and the minimum‐size restraint is identified in good agreement with experimental PRE rates, and the result is also supported by chemical shift perturbations and small‐angle X‐ray scattering data. It is illustrated that the regularizations of energy and ensemble‐size prevent an arbitrary interpretation of protein conformations. Moreover, energy is found to serve as a critical control to refine the structure pool and prevent data overfitting, because the absence of energy regularization exposes ensemble construction to the noise from high‐energy structures and causes a more ambiguous representation of protein conformations. Finally, we perform structure‐ensemble optimizations with a topology‐based structure pool, to enhance the understanding on the ensemble results from different sources of pool candidates.
Cover Image, Volume 74, Issue 3
Authors: Yang Yajun , Wang Caiyun , Xu Hongxing , Lu Zhongxian 
Published: January 2018

The cover image, by Chenxi Wu et al., is based on the Research Article Sublethal effects of four insecticides on folding and spinning behavior in the rice leaffolder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), DOI: 10.1002/ps.4753. Photo Credit: Yajun Yang.
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Fisetin induces apoptosis through mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in human uveal melanoma cells
Authors: Wang Kai , Hu Dan‐Ning , Lin Hui‐Wen , Yang Wei‐En , Hsieh Yi‐Hsien , Chien Hsiang‐Wen , Yang Shun‐Fa 
Published: January 2018

AbstractFisetin, a diatery flavonoid, been reported that possess anticancer effects in various cancers. The purpose of the study was to investigate the antitumor effects of fisetin in cultured uveal melanoma cell lines and compared with normal retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. MTT assay was used for evaluating cytotoxic effects of fisetin. Flow cytometry study was used for the determination of apoptosis. JC‐1 fluorescent reader was used to determine mitochondrial transmembrane potential changes. The results shown that fisetin dose‐dependently decreased the cell viability of uveal melanoma cells but not influenced the cell viability of RPE cells. Apoptosis of uveal melanoma cells was induced by fisetin efficiently. Fisetin inhibited antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 family proteins and damaged the mitochondrial transmembrane potential. The levels of proapoptotic Bcl‐2 proteins, cytochrome c, and various caspase activities were increased by fisetin. In conclusion, fisetin induces apoptosis of uveal melanoma cells selectively and may be a promising agent to be explored for the treatment of uveal melanoma.
Interdepartmental Spread of Innovations: A Multicentre Study of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Programme
Authors: de Groot Jeanny J. A. , Maessen José M. C. , Dejong Cornelis H. C. , Winkens Bjorn , Kruitwagen Roy F. P. M. , Slangen Brigitte F. M. , van der Weijden Trudy ,   all the members of the study group, Bekkers R. L. M. , Boss E. A. , van Dorst E. B. L. , van Driel W. J. , Fons G. , Gaarenstroom K. N. , Gerestein C. G. , van Haaften M. , van Haaften‐de Jong A. M. L. D. , de Haan H. H. , van Hamont D. , Hermans R. H. M. , Hofhuis W. , Hofman L. N. , Martens J. E. , Mertens H. , Pijlman B. M. , Pijnenborg J. M. A. , Reesink‐Peters N. , Roes E. M. , Schagen van Leeuwen J. H. , Snijders M. P. L. M. , Vencken P. M. L. H. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundSpread of evidence‐based innovations beyond pioneering settings is essential to improve quality of care. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of a national project to implement ‘Enhanced Recovery After Surgery’ (ERAS) among colorectal teams on the spread of this innovation to gynaecological procedures.MethodsA retrospective observational multicentre study was performed of a consecutive sample of patients who underwent major elective gynaecological surgery in 2012–2013. Ten Dutch hospitals (294 patients) had participated in a colorectal breakthrough project implementing ERAS on a nationwide basis and were assigned to the intervention group. Thirteen hospitals (390 patients) that had not participated in this project acted as controls. Outcome measures were time to functional recovery and total length of postoperative hospital stay. Multilevel models adjusted for clustering and baseline demographics were used for analysis. The uptake of ten selected perioperative care elements was evaluated for each hospital.ResultsThe estimated mean difference (95% confidence interval) between the intervention and control hospitals was −0.3 (−0.9 to 0.3) days in the time to recovery and 0.2 (−0.8 to 1.3) days in the total length of hospital stay. The mean (± standard deviation) absolute rate of implemented perioperative care elements per hospital was 28.9 ± 14.9% in the control, versus 29.3 ± 11.1% in the intervention group (p = 0.934).ConclusionInitial implementation effects seem to be restricted to the participating teams and do not automatically spread to other surgical teams in the same hospital.
TRANSFER OF CHATTELS BY NON-OWNERS: STILL AN OPEN PROBLEM
Authors: Tettenborn Andrew 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe current law relating to the unauthorised dispositions of chattels is an arbitrary and unpredictable mess that has grown up haphazardly and piecemeal. In this connection we need a default rule that is straightforward rational and logical. Such a rule should follow three principles. First there should be a background rule of entrustment, whereby anyone entrusting another with goods takes the risk of subsequent misdealing. Secondly, this rule should apply to all proprietary interests and not simply to ownership. Thirdly, it should be open to exceptions where there is good reason to admit them, for example to accommodate specific schemes covering particular types of security interest.
What Can We Learn from Political History? Leo Strauss and Raymond Aron, Readers of Thucydides
Authors: Marcotte-Chenard Sophie 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThrough a comparison of Leo Strauss's and Raymond Aron's interpretations of Thucydides's history, this paper sheds light on the relationship between political history and political philosophy. In continuing the dialogue between the two thinkers, I demonstrate that in spite of their opposed views on modern historical consciousness, they converge in a defense of the object and method of classical political history. However, there is a deeper disagreement regarding the relationship between philosophy and politics. While Strauss makes the case for the compatibility of classical political history and classical political philosophy on the grounds that Thucydides is a “philosophic historian,” Aron argues that it is precisely because Thucydides is not a philosopher that he succeeds in understanding an essential feature of political things, namely, contingency in history.
A diseasome cluster-based drug repurposing of soluble guanylate cyclase activators from smooth muscle relaxation to direct neuroprotection
Authors: Langhauser Friederike , Casas Ana I. , Dao Vu-Thao-Vi , Guney Emre , Menche Jörg , Geuss Eva , Kleikers Pamela W. M. , López Manuela G. , Barabási Albert-L. , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Schmidt Harald H. H. W. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractNetwork medicine utilizes common genetic origins, markers and co-morbidities to uncover mechanistic links between diseases. These links can be summarized in the diseasome, a comprehensive network of disease–disease relationships and clusters. The diseasome has been influential during the past decade, although most of its links are not followed up experimentally. Here, we investigate a high prevalence unmet medical need cluster of disease phenotypes linked to cyclic GMP. Hitherto, the central cGMP-forming enzyme, soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), has been targeted pharmacologically exclusively for smooth muscle modulation in cardiology and pulmonology. Here, we examine the disease associations of sGC in a non-hypothesis based manner in order to identify possibly previously unrecognized clinical indications. Surprisingly, we find that sGC, is closest linked to neurological disorders, an application that has so far not been explored clinically. Indeed, when investigating the neurological indication of this cluster with the highest unmet medical need, ischemic stroke, pre-clinically we find that sGC activity is virtually absent post-stroke. Conversely, a heme-free form of sGC, apo-sGC, was now the predominant isoform suggesting it may be a mechanism-based target in stroke. Indeed, this repurposing hypothesis could be validated experimentally in vivo as specific activators of apo-sGC were directly neuroprotective, reduced infarct size and increased survival. Thus, common mechanism clusters of the diseasome allow direct drug repurposing across previously unrelated disease phenotypes redefining them in a mechanism-based manner. Specifically, our example of repurposing apo-sGC activators for ischemic stroke should be urgently validated clinically as a possible first-in-class neuroprotective therapy.
Non-knee-spanning muscles contribute to tibiofemoral shear as well as valgus and rotational joint reaction moments during unanticipated sidestep cutting
Authors: Maniar Nirav , Schache Anthony G. , Sritharan Prasanna , Opar David A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAnterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a burdensome condition due to potential surgical requirements and increased risk of long term debilitation. Previous studies indicate that muscle forces play an important role in the development of ligamentous loading, yet these studies have typically used cadaveric models considering only the knee-spanning quadriceps, hamstrings and gastrocnemius muscle groups. Using a musculoskeletal modelling approach, we investigated how lower-limb muscles produce and oppose key tibiofemoral reaction forces and moments during the weight acceptance phase of unanticipated sidestep cutting. Muscles capable of opposing (or controlling the magnitude of) the anterior shear force and the external valgus moment at the knee are thought to be have the greatest potential for protecting the anterior cruciate ligament from injury. We found the best muscles for generating posterior shear to be the soleus, biceps femoris long head and medial hamstrings, providing up to 173N, 111N and 77N of force directly opposing the anterior shear force. The valgus moment was primarily opposed by the gluteus medius, gluteus maximus and piriformis, with these muscles providing contributions of up to 32 Nm, 19 Nm and 21 Nm towards a knee varus moment, respectively. Our findings highlight key muscle targets for ACL preventative and rehabilitative interventions.