bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scoring of the radiological picture of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia: a study to verify the reliability of the method
Authors: Kocova Eva , Vanasek Jiri , Koblizek Vladimir , Novosad Jakub , Elias Pavel , Bartos Vladimir , Sterclova Martina 
Published: November 2015

Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a clinical form of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). Computed chest tomography (CT) has a fundamental role in the multidisciplinary diagnostics. However, it has not been verified if and how a subjective opinion of a radiologists or pneumologists can influence the assessment and overall diagnostic summary. Purpose To verify the reliability of the scoring system. Material and Methods Assessment of conformity of the radiological score of high-resolution CT (HRCT) of lungs in patients with IPF was performed by a group of radiologists and pneumologists. Personal data were blinded and the assessment was performed independently using the Dutka/Vasakova scoring system (modification of the Gay system). The final score of the single assessors was then evaluated by means of the paired Spearman’s correlation and analysis of the principal components. Results Two principal components explaining cumulatively a 62% or 73% variability of the assessment of the single assessors were extracted during the analysis. The groups did not differ both in terms of specialty and experience with the assessment of the HRCT findings. Conclusion According to our study, scoring of a radiological image using the Dutka/Vasakova system is a reliable method in the hands of experienced radiologists. Significant differences occur during the assessment performed by pneumologists especially during the evaluation of the alveolar changes.
Electromyographic Analysis of the Shoulder Girdle Musculature During External Rotation Exercises
Authors: Alizadehkhaiyat Omid , Hawkes David H. , Kemp Graham J. , Frostick Simon P. 
Published: November 2015

Background: Implementation of overhead activity, a key component of many professional sports, requires an effective and balanced activation of the shoulder girdle muscles, particularly during forceful external rotation (ER) motions. Purpose: To identify activation strategies of 16 shoulder girdle muscles/muscle segments during common shoulder ER exercises. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Method: Thirty healthy subjects were included in this study, and 16 shoulder girdle muscles/muscle segments were investigated (surface electrode: anterior, middle, and posterior deltoid; upper, middle, and lower trapezius; serratus anterior; teres major; upper and lower latissimus dorsi; and upper and lower pectoralis major; fine wire electrodes: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and rhomboid major) using a telemetric electromyography (EMG) system. Five ER exercises (standing ER at 0° and 90° of abduction, with underarm towel roll, prone ER at 90° of abduction, side-lying ER with underarm towel) were studied. Exercise EMG amplitudes were normalized to EMG at maximum ER force in a standard position. Univariate analysis of variance and post hoc analysis applied on EMG activity of each muscle were used to assess the main effect of the exercise condition. Results: Muscular activity differed significantly among the ER exercises ( P < .05 to P < .001). The greatest activation for anterior and middle deltoid, supraspinatus, upper trapezius, and serratus anterior occurred during standing ER at 90° of abduction; for posterior deltoid, middle trapezius, and rhomboid during side-lying ER with underarm towel; for lower trapezius, upper and lower latissimus dorsi, subscapularis, and teres major during prone ER at 90° of abduction; and for the clavicular and sternal part of the pectoralis major during standing ER with underarm towel. Conclusion: Key glenohumeral and scapular muscles can be optimally activated during specific ER exercises, particularly in positions that stimulate athletic overhead motions. Clinical Relevance: These results enable sports medicine professionals to target specific muscles during shoulder rehabilitation protocols while minimizing the effect of others, providing a foundation for optimal evidence-based exercise prescription. They also provide information for tailored muscle training and injury prevention in overhead sports.
Sex-specific differences in genetic and nongenetic determinants of mean platelet volume: results from the Gutenberg Health Study
Authors: Panova-Noeva Marina , Schulz Andreas , Hermanns M. Iris , Grossmann Vera , Pefani Evgenia , Spronk Henri M. H. , Laubert-Reh Dagmar , Binder Harald , Beutel Manfred , Pfeiffer Norbert , Blankenberg Stefan , Zeller Tanja , Münzel Thomas , Lackner Karl J. , ten Cate Hugo , Wild Philipp S. 
Published: October 2015

Key Points
Genetic and nongenetic determiners of MPV substantially differ between males and females in a large population-based study. MPV in males is significantly determined by the traditional CVRFs, and males with higher MPV are at higher risk of death.
Hormonal contraception increases risk of asthma among obese but decreases it among nonobese subjects: a prospective, population-based cohort study
Authors: Matheson Melanie C. , Burgess John A. , Lau Melisa Y.Z. , Lowe Adrian J. , Gurrin Lyle C. , Hopper John L. , Giles Graham G. , Johns David P. , Walters E. Haydn , Abramson Michael J. , Gómez Real Francisco , Dharmage Shyamali C. 
Published: November 2015

Epidemiological data on asthma suggest a sex difference that varies with age. Hormonal effects have been suggested as a possible explanation for these differences but there is a scarcity of evidence on these relationships. Our objective was to examine the relationship between reproductive factors and asthma risk among females and to examine whether body mass index (BMI) modifies this relationship.Female participants in the 2004 fifth decade follow-up postal survey of the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study formed the study population. Reproductive history and data on hormonal contraceptive (HC) use were collected on 2764 females. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the association between the reproductive factors and current asthma.The mean age of participants was 43 years and the prevalence of middle-aged current asthma was 12.8%. Females with very early menarche (≤10 years) had higher odds of middle-aged current asthma (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.14–3.2). Pregnancy history (number of births and age at first pregnancy) were not associated with current asthma risk at 44 years. Ever having used HCs, years of use and age started using HCs were not individually associated with current asthma risk. However, body mass index significantly modified the relationship between HC use and asthma. We found increasing years of pill use was associated with a significantly increased risk of current asthma in overweight/obese women but a reduced risk in normal weight women (interaction p=0.015).Hormonal effects from use of HCs and early menarche may contribute to the sex differential in asthma risk. Our findings suggest that in obese women with a history of long-term HC use may be at an increased risk of chronic respiratory disease, and regular monitoring for asthma and asthma symptoms may be recommended.
p38 MAPK Mediates Glial P2X7R-Neuronal P2Y1R Inhibitory Control of P2X3R Expression in Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons
Authors: Chen Yong , Li Guangwen , Huang Li-Yen Mae 
Published: November 2015

Background We have previously shown that endogenously active purinergic P2X7 receptors (P2X7Rs) in satellite glial cells of dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) stimulate ATP release. The ATP activates P2Y1Rs located in the enwrapped neuronal somata, resulting in down-regulation of P2X3Rs. This P2X7R-P2Y1-P2X3R inhibitory control significantly reduces P2X3R-mediated nociceptive responses. The underlying mechanism by which the activation of P2Y1Rs inhibits the expression of P2X3Rs remains unexplored. Results Examining the effect of the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase on the expression of P2X3Rs in DRGs, we found that the p38 activator, anisomycin (Anis), reduced the expression of P2X3Rs. Blocking the activity of SGCs by the glial Krebs cycle inhibitor, fluorocitrate, did not change the effect of Anis. These results suggest that neuronal p38 plays a major role in the inhibition of P2X3R expression. Western blotting analyses showed that inhibiting P2Y1Rs by MRS2179 (MRS) or blocking P2X7Rs by either oxATP or A740003 reduced pp38 and increased P2X3R expression in DRGs. These results are further supported by the immunohistochemical study showing that P2X7R and P2Y1R antagonists reduce the percentage of pp38-positive neurons. These observations suggest that activation of P2X7Rs and P2Y1Rs promotes p38 activity to exert inhibitory control on P2X3R expression. Since activation of p38 by Anis in the presence of either A740003 or MRS could overcome the block of P2X7R-P2Y1R inhibitory control, p38 in DRG neurons is downstream of P2Y1Rs. In addition, inhibition of p38 by SB202190 was found to prevent the P2X7R and P2Y1R block of P2X3R expression and increase P2X3R-mediated nociceptive flinch behaviors. Conclusions p38 in DRG neurons downstream of P2Y1R is necessary and sufficient for the P2X7R-P2Y1R inhibitory control of P2X3R expression.
Ovarian stem cells are always accompanied by very small embryonic-like stem cells in adult mammalian ovary
Authors: Bhartiya Deepa 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Background
Existing dogma that a female is born with fixed number of eggs was challenged by the detection of stem cells in adult mammalian ovary. Data has accumulated in support of ovarian stem cells (OSCs) proliferation, maintenance in culture, formation of germ cell nests and differentiation into oocytes and primordial follicle assembly using different strategies.

Results
Flow cytometry analysis identified >8 μm OSCs which are DDX1 positive and are considered equivalent to spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in testis. Analysis of both ovarian and testicular smears obtained after enzymatic digestion has led to the identification of an additional stem cell population termed very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs). VSELs and OSCs/SSCs differ from each other in their size and OCT-4 expression. VSELs express pluripotent markers including nuclear OCT-4 whereas OSCs/SSCs express cytoplasmic OCT-4 suggesting a differentiated state. VSELs can be studied by flow cytometry as small sized cells which are LIN-/CD45-/Sca-1+. We have reported 0.02 ± 0.008, 0.03 ± 0.017 and 0.08 ± 0.03 % of total cells as VSELs in normal, chemoablated and after FSH treatment to chemoablated mouse ovary.

Conclusions
VSELs have remained poorly studied till now because of their very small size and rare occurrence. Spinning cells obtained after enzymatic digestion of ovarian tissue at a speed of 1000G (rather than 1200 rpm) throughout processing allows reliable detection of the VSELs by flow cytometry. VSELs exist in aged, chemoablated and non-functional ovary and providing a healthy niche to support their function offers an interesting strategy to manage infertility.
Endothelial properties of third-trimester amniotic fluid stem cells cultured in hypoxia
Authors: Schiavo Andrea Alex , Franzin Chiara , Albiero Mattia , Piccoli Martina , Spiro Giovanna , Bertin Enrica , Urbani Luca , Visentin Silvia , Cosmi Erich , Fadini Gian Paolo , De Coppi Paolo , Pozzobon Michela 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Endothelial dysfunction is found in different pathologies such as diabetes and renal and heart diseases, representing one of the major health problems. The reduced vasodilation of impaired endothelium starts a prothrombotic state associated with irregular blood flow. We aimed to explore the potential of amniotic fluid stem (AFS) cells as a source for regenerative medicine in this field; for the first time, we focused on third-trimester amniotic fluid AFS cells and compared them with the already-described AFS cells from the second trimester.

Methods
Cells from the two trimesters were cultured, selected and expanded in normoxia (20 % oxygen) and hypoxia (5 % oxygen). Cells were analysed to compare markers, proliferation rate and differentiation abilities. Endothelial potential was assessed not only in vitro—Matrigel tube formation assay, acetylated human low-density lipoprotein (AcLDL) uptake—but also in vivo (Matrigel plug with cell injection and two animal models). Specifically, for the latter, we used established protocols to assess the involvement of AFS cells in two different mouse models of endothelial dysfunction: (1) a chronic ischemia model with local injection of cells and (2) an electric carotid damage where cells were systemically injected.

Results
We isolated and expanded AFS cells from third-trimester amniotic fluid samples by using CD117 as a selection marker. Hypoxia enhanced the proliferation rate, the surface protein pattern was conserved between the trimesters and comparable differentiation was achieved after culture in both normoxia and hypoxia. Notably, the expression of early endothelial transcription factors and AngiomiRs was detected before and after induction. When in vivo, AFS cells from both trimesters expanded in hypoxia were able to rescue the surface blood flow when locally injected in mice after chronic ischemia damage, and importantly AFS cells at term of gestation possessed enhanced ability to fix carotid artery electric damage compared with AFS cells from the second trimester.

Conclusions
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first research work that fully characterizes AFS cells from the third trimester for regenerative medicine purposes. The results highlight how AFS cells, in particular at term of gestation and cultured in hypoxia, can be considered a promising source of stem cells possessing significant endothelial regenerative potential.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Fixed point theorems and explicit estimates for convergence rates of continuous time Markov chains
Authors: Yan Zhenhai , Yan Guojun , Miyamoto Ikudol 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this paper we give Banach fixed point theorems and explicit estimates on the rates of convergence of the transition function to the stationary distribution for a class of exponential ergodic Markov chains. Our results are different from earlier estimates using coupling theory, and from estimates using stochastically monotone one. Our estimates show a noticeable improvement on existing results if Markov chains contain instantaneous states or nonconservative states. The proof uses existing results of discrete time Markov chains together with h-skeleton. At last, we apply this result, Ray-Knight compactification and Itô excursion theory to two examples: a class of singular Markov chains and Kolmogorov matrix.
Trusted and secure clustering in mobile pervasive environment
Authors: Gaur Madhu Sharma , Pant Bhaskar 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPervasive computing has the potential to offer low-cost, high performance, and user centric solutions to exchange the information and communicate seamlessly in highly dynamic, heterogeneous environment. Here small and influential dissimilar devices or nodes have to set up independent network unknown by the user. Communicating devices are resource-restricted and equipped with micro or bio-sensors to acknowledge the signals where traditional security systems based on cryptography and encryption are not enough for promising level of security assurance. In this paper we explore trust and security challenges and appraise the opportunities in autonomous mobile pervasive ad-hoc networks to improve security. Trust management models in human-centric applications can enhance the security assurance. Many researchers proposed various trust models for different scenarios. Inspiring from such models we propose a trust computation metric based on node’s impulsive behavior to become malicious node in dynamic scenario and breach the security. In winding up, we put our efforts to present energy efficient, secure and trusted clustering to enhance the security assurance and significant adaptation of trustworthy communication in user-centric m-healthcare applications where information is ubiquitous.
Stationary relativistic jets
Authors: Komissarov Serguei S , Porth Oliver , Lyutikov Maxim 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn this paper we describe a simple numerical approach which allows to study the structure of steady-state axisymmetric relativistic jets using one-dimensional time-dependent simulations. It is based on the fact that for narrow jets with $v_{z}\approx c$

v
z

≈
c
the steady-state equations of relativistic magnetohydrodynamics can be accurately approximated by the one-dimensional time-dependent equations after the substitution $z=ct$
z
=
c
t
. Since only the time-dependent codes are now publicly available this is a valuable and efficient alternative to the development of a high-specialised code for the time-independent equations. The approach is also much cheaper and more robust compared to the relaxation method. We tested this technique against numerical and analytical solutions found in literature as well as solutions we obtained using the relaxation method and found it sufficiently accurate. In the process, we discovered the reason for the failure of the self-similar analytical model of the jet reconfinement in relatively flat atmospheres and elucidated the nature of radial oscillations of steady-state jets.
Long noncoding RNAs in T lymphocytes
Authors: Aune Thomas M , Crooke Phillip S , Spurlock Charles F 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs are recently discovered regulatory RNA molecules that do not code for proteins but influence a vast array of biologic processes. In vertebrates, the number of long noncoding RNA genes is thought to greatly exceed the number of protein-coding genes. It is also thought that long noncoding RNAs drive the biologic complexity observed in vertebrates compared with that in invertebrates. Evidence of this complexity has been found in the T-lymphocyte compartment of the adaptive immune system. In the present review, we describe our current level of understanding of the expression of specific long or large intergenic or intervening long noncoding RNAs during T-lymphocyte development in the thymus and differentiation in the periphery and highlight the mechanisms of action that specific long noncoding RNAs employ to regulate T-lymphocyte function, both in vitro and in vivo.
Context-specific comparison of sleep acquisition systems in Drosophila
Authors: Garbe David S. , Bollinger Wesley L. , Vigderman Abigail , Masek Pavel , Gertowski Jill , Sehgal Amita , Keene Alex C. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT
Sleep is conserved across phyla and can be measured through electrophysiological or behavioral characteristics. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, provides an excellent model for investigating the genetic and neural mechanisms that regulate sleep. Multiple systems exist for measuring fly activity, including video analysis and single-beam (SB) or multi-beam (MB) infrared (IR)-based monitoring. In this study, we compare multiple sleep parameters of individual flies using a custom-built video-based acquisition system, and commercially available SB- or MB-IR acquisition systems. We report that all three monitoring systems appear sufficiently sensitive to detect changes in sleep duration associated with diet, age, and mating status. Our data also demonstrate that MB-IR detection appeared more sensitive than the SB-IR for detecting baseline nuances in sleep architecture, while architectural changes associated with varying life-history and environment were generally detected across all acquisition types. Finally, video recording of flies in an arena allowed us to measure the effect of ambient environment on sleep. These experiments demonstrate a robust effect of arena shape and size as well as light levels on sleep duration and architecture, and highlighting the versatility of tracking-based sleep acquisition. These findings provide insight into the context-specific basis for choosing between Drosophila sleep acquisition systems, describe a novel cost-effective system for video tracking, and characterize sleep analysis using the MB-IR sleep analysis. Further, we describe a modified dark-place preference sleep assay using video tracking, confirming that flies prefer to sleep in dark locations.
Tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae) use different adhesive pads complementarily during climbing on smooth surfaces: experimental approach in eight arboreal and burrower species
Authors: Pérez-Miles Fernando , Perafán Carlos , Santamaría Laura 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACT
Tarantulas are large spiders with adhesive setae on their legs, which enable them to climb on smooth vertical surfaces. The mechanism proposed to explain adhesion in tarantulas is anisotropic friction, where friction is higher when the leg pushes than when it pulls. However, previous studies and measurements of adhesion in theraphosids were performed using dead specimens. To test their ability to climb, we studied static friction of live theraphosid spiders on different surfaces and at different inclines. We compared burrower with arboreal species to test the hypothesis of higher friction in arboreal tarantulas. We found a complementary participation of claw tufts and scopula of anterior and posterior legs when the tarantula climbs. The mechanics of climbing in association with the biological characteristics of the species are discussed.
The nature of alarm communication in Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Blattodea: Termitoidea: Termitidae): the integration of chemical and vibroacoustic signals
Authors: Cristaldo Paulo F. , Jandák Vojtĕch , Kutalová Kateřina , Rodrigues Vinícius B. , Brothánek Marek , Jiříček Ondřej , DeSouza Og , Šobotník Jan 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACT
Alarm signalling is of paramount importance to communication in all social insects. In termites, vibroacoustic and chemical alarm signalling are bound to operate synergistically but have never been studied simultaneously in a single species. Here, we inspected the functional significance of both communication channels in Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae), confirming the hypothesis that these are not exclusive, but rather complementary processes. In natural situations, the alarm predominantly attracts soldiers, which actively search for the source of a disturbance. Laboratory testing revealed that the frontal gland of soldiers produces a rich mixture of terpenoid compounds including an alarm pheromone. Extensive testing led to identification of the alarm pheromone being composed of abundant monoterpene hydrocarbons (1S)-α-pinene and myrcene, along with a minor component, (E)-β-ocimene. The vibratory alarm signalling consists of vibratory movements evidenced as bursts; a series of beats produced predominantly by soldiers. Exposing termite groups to various mixtures containing the alarm pheromone (crushed soldier heads, frontal gland extracts, mixture of all monoterpenes, and the alarm pheromone mixture made of standards) resulted in significantly higher activity in the tested groups and also increased intensity of the vibratory alarm communication, with the responses clearly dose-dependent. Lower doses of the pheromone provoked higher numbers of vibratory signals compared to higher doses. Higher doses induced long-term running of all termites without stops necessary to perform vibratory behaviour. Surprisingly, even crushed worker heads led to low (but significant) increases in the alarm responses, suggesting that other unknown compound in the worker's head is perceived and answered by termites. Our results demonstrate the existence of different alarm levels in termites, with lower levels being communicated through vibratory signals, and higher levels causing general alarm or retreat being communicated through the alarm pheromone.