bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ATG16L1 Expression in Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques Is Associated With Plaque Vulnerability
Authors: Magné Joëlle , Gustafsson Peter , Jin Hong , Maegdefessel Lars , Hultenby Kjell , Wernerson Annika , Eriksson Per , Franco-Cereceda Anders , Kovanen Petri T. , Gonçalves Isabel , Ehrenborg Ewa 
Published: March 2015

Objective—
Autophagy has emerged as a cell survival mechanism critical for cellular homeostasis, which may play a protective role in atherosclerosis. ATG16L1, a protein essential for early stages of autophagy, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease. However, it is unknown whether ATG16L1 is involved in atherosclerosis. Our aim was to analyze ATG16L1 expression in carotid atherosclerotic plaques in relation to markers of plaque vulnerability.

Approach and Results—
Histological analysis of 143 endarterectomized human carotid atherosclerotic plaques revealed that ATG16L1 was expressed in areas surrounding the necrotic core and the shoulder regions. Double immunofluorescence labeling revealed that ATG16L1 was abundantly expressed in phagocytic cells (CD68), endothelial cells (CD31), and mast cells (tryptase) in human advanced plaques. ATG16L1 immunogold labeling was predominantly observed in endothelial cells and foamy smooth muscle cells of the plaques. ATG16L1 protein expression correlated with plaque content of proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases. Analysis of Atg16L1 at 2 distinct stages of the atherothrombotic process in a murine model of plaque vulnerability by incomplete ligation and cuff placement in carotid arteries of apolipoprotein-E-deficient mice revealed a strong colocalization of Atg16L1 and smooth muscle cells only in early atherosclerotic lesions. An increase in ATG16L1 expression and autophagy flux was observed during foam cell formation in human macrophages using oxidized-LDL.

Conclusions—
Taken together, this study shows that ATG16L1 protein expression is associated with foam cell formation and inflamed plaque phenotype and could contribute to the development of plaque vulnerability at earlier stages of the atherogenic process.
Shifting Drivers of Growth: Policy Implications for ASEAN-5
Authors: Tan Kong Yam , Abeysinghe Tilak , Tan Khee Giap 
Published: March 2015

How the old saying “when the United States sneezes, the world catches a cold” holds true has been the subject of many research papers on global and country group business cycle synchronization and divergence. Instead of business cycle linkages, however, this paper examines the evolution of the dependence of ASEAN-5 and other Asian economies on their traditional and emerging growth engines (the United States, EU, Japan, China, and India). For this we use a structural vector autoregression model that yields time-varying growth multiplier effects. Although China has overtaken others as a major export destination for ASEAN-5 and despite the United States losing much of its relative economic clout in Asia, the multiplier effects show that the United States is still about 1.5 times more growth-enhancing than China for ASEAN-5. The EU has also not lost out completely to China as a growth engine. China, however, has overtaken Japan to become about 1.88 times more growth enhancing than Japan for ASEAN-5. India has yet to become a significant growth engine, although it is of increasing importance to Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. These results call for new initiatives to balance the rising over-dependence on China.
Contrasting Impacts of the Arctic Oscillation on Surface Air Temperature Anomalies in Southern China between Early and Middle-to-Late Winter
Authors: Zuo Jinqing , Ren Hong-Li , Li Weijing 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn the boreal winter, the Arctic Oscillation (AO) evidently acts to influence surface air temperature (SAT) anomalies in China. This study reveals a large intraseasonal variation in the relationship between the winter AO and southern China SAT anomalies. Specifically, a weak in-phase relationship occurs in December, but a significant out-of-phase relationship occurs in January and February. The authors show that the linkage between the AO and southern China SAT anomalies strongly depends on the AO-associated changes in the Middle East jet stream (MEJS) and that such an AO–MEJS relationship is characterized by a significant difference between early and middle-to-late winter. In middle-to-late winter, the Azores center of high pressure anomalies in the positive AO phase usually extends eastward and yields a significantly anomalous upper-level convergence over the Mediterranean Sea, which can excite a Rossby wave train spanning the Arabian Sea and intensify the MEJS. In early winter, however, the Azores center of the AO is apparently shifted westward and is mainly confined to the Atlantic Ocean; in this case, the associated change in the MEJS is relatively weak. Both observational diagnoses and experiments based on a linearized barotropic model suggest that the MEJS is closely linked to the AO only when the latter generates considerable upper-level convergence anomalies over the Mediterranean Sea. Therefore, the different impacts of the AO on the MEJS and the southern China SAT anomalies between early and middle-to-late winter are primarily attributed to the large intraseasonal zonal migrations of the Azores center of the AO.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Reduces Retear Rates After Arthroscopic Repair of Small- and Medium-Sized Rotator Cuff Tears but Is Not Cost-Effective
Authors: Vavken Patrick , Sadoghi Patrick , Palmer Matthew , Rosso Claudio , Mueller Andreas M. , Szoelloesy Gregor , Valderrabano Victor 
Published: March 2015

Background: It has been suggested that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) improves healing after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The current literature provides ample but inconsistent data on this topic. Purpose: To systematically review the current in vivo evidence for the use of platelet concentrates (PRP) in the arthroscopic treatment of rotator cuff tears to assess effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Study Design: Meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis. Methods: Published evidence from controlled, human trials of rotator cuff repair augmented with platelet concentrates was systematically gathered, and data on retear rates were extracted. Mathematical and clinical heterogeneity was evaluated, and fixed-effect meta-analysis was performed to calculate the risk ratio (RR) of retears and the number needed to treat (NNT). Subgroup analyses were made for small/medium tears (n = 404) and large/massive tears (n = 374). Cost-effectiveness was assessed using data from this meta-analysis and using cost data from the literature, including extensive sensitivity analyses, to calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Results: Thirteen studies published between 2010 and 2014 were identified for analysis. The RR for retear for all patients was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.67-1.12; P = .286). For small- and medium-sized tears (<3 cm), the RR for retear was 0.60 (95% CI, 0.37-0.97), consistent with a significant difference in favor of PRP use ( P = .038). This translated into an NNT of 14 (95% CI, 7-125). However, at an ICER of US$127,893 per quality-adjusted life year gained, assuming a 5% revision rate, the use of PRP was not cost-effective for small- and medium-sized tears. Conclusion: In large tears, even with double-row repair, the beneficial effects of PRP alone are insufficient to compensate the progressed tissue damage. The study data suggest that PRP may promote healing of small- and medium-sized tears to reduce retear rates. However, despite the substantial biological effect, at current cost, the use of PRP is not cost-effective in arthroscopic repair of small- and medium-sized tears.
Assessment of structural cardiac abnormalities and diastolic function in women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Oliveira Alexandra P , Calderon Iracema MP , Costa Roberto AA , Roscani Meliza G , Magalhães Claudia G , Borges Vera TM 
Published: March 2015

Background: The main manifestation of hyperglycaemia during pregnancy is gestational diabetes mellitus. It can herald diabetes mellitus type 2 and its deleterious long-term effects, such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to assess diastolic function in women with gestational diabetes mellitus, one of the first signs of future cardiovascular disease. Methods: A total of 21 women with gestational diabetes mellitus and 23 healthy pregnant women (control group) between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation underwent echocardiographic assessment. The diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus was made in agreement with the American Diabetes Association criteria. Echocardiographic images obtained were analysed according to the criteria of the American Society of Echocardiography. Data were analysed using Pearson correlation coefficient, analysis of variance and Student’s t-test. Results: Women with gestational diabetes mellitus had higher posterior wall and interventricular septum thickness, increased left ventricular mass and left ventricular mass index, lower early diastolic annular velocity and early diastolic annular velocity/late diastolic annular velocity ratio. There was a positive correlation between left ventricular mass index and fasting glucose and pregnancy body mass index. Conclusion: Patients with gestational diabetes mellitus seem to have a different diastolic profile as well as a mildly dysfunctional pattern on echocardiogram, which may show a need for greater glycaemic control.
Fibrin patch-based insulin-like growth factor-1 gene-modified stem cell transplantation repairs ischemic myocardium
Authors: Li Jun , Zhu Kai , Yang Shan , Wang Yulin , Guo Changfa , Yin Kanhua , Wang Chunsheng , Lai Hao 
Published: March 2015

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), tissue-engineered cardiac patch, and therapeutic gene have all been proposed as promising therapy strategies for cardiac repair after myocardial infarction. In our study, BMSCs were modified with insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) gene, loaded into a fibrin patch, and then transplanted into a porcine model of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) myocardium injury. The results demonstrated that IGF-1 gene overexpression could promote proliferation of endothelial cells and cardiomyocyte-like differentiation of BMSCs in vitro. Four weeks after transplantation of fibrin patch loaded with gene-modified BMSCs, IGF-1 overexpression could successfully promote angiogenesis, inhibit remodeling, increase grafted cell survival and reduce apoptosis. In conclusion, the integrated strategy, which combined fibrin patch with IGF-1 gene modified BMSCs, could promote the histological cardiac repair for a clinically relevant porcine model of I/R myocardium injury.
Hydrothermal-assisted exfoliation of Y/Tb/Eu ternary layered rare-earth hydroxides into tens of micron-sized unilamellar nanosheets for highly oriented and color-tunable nano-phosphor films
Authors: Zhu Qi , Xu Zhixin , Li Ji-Guang , Li Xiaodong , Qi Yang , Sun Xudong 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Efficient exfoliation of well-crystallized (Y0.96Tb
x
Eu0.04-x
)2(OH)5NO3 · nH2O (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.04) layered rare-earth hydroxide (LRH) crystals into tens of micron-sized unilamellar nanosheets has been successfully achieved by inserting water insoluble oleate anions (C17H33COO−) into the interlayer of the LRH via hydrothermal anion exchange at 120°C, followed by delaminating in toluene. The intercalation of oleate anions led to extremely expanded interlayer distances (up to approximately 5.2 nm) of the LRH crystals and accordingly disordered stacking of the ab planes along the c-axis and also weakened interlayer interactions, without significantly damaging the ab plane. As a consequence, the thickness of the LRH crystals increased from approximately 1 to 10 μm, exhibiting a behavior similar to that observed from the smectite clay in water. Highly [111]-oriented and approximately 100-nm thick oxide films of (Y0.96Tb
x
Eu0.04-x

)
2O3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.04) have been obtained through spin-coating of the exfoliated colloidal nanosheets on quartz substrate, followed by annealing at 800°C. Upon UV excitation at 266 nm, the oxide transparent films exhibit bright luminescence, with the color-tunable emission from red to orange, yellow, and then green by increasing the Tb3+ content from x = 0 to 0.04.
Quality of life in patients with retinitis pigmentosa submitted to intravitreal use of bone marrow-derived stem cells (Reticell -clinical trial)
Authors: Siqueira Rubens C , Messias Andre , Messias Katharina , Arcieri Rafael S , Ruiz Milton A , Souza Neiglene F , Martins Lia C , Jorge Rodrigo 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a severe neurodegenerative disease of the retina that can lead to blindness. Even without treatment, a clinical study with the use of stem cells is currently underway and the results are being evaluated. In the present report we assess the vision-related quality of life in patients with RP submitted to intravitreal use of bone marrow-derived stem cells.

Method
The study included 20 patients with RP submitted to intravitreal use of bone marrow-derived stem cells. We evaluate the vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) of patients using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25). Patients were scheduled to answer the questionnaire before treatment and 3 and 12 months after treatment.

Results
All patients completed the survey as scheduled.
There was a statistically significant improvement (P <0.05) in the quality of life of patients 3 months after treatment, whereas by the 12th month there was no statistically significant difference from baseline.

Conclusions
Cell therapy with intravitreal use of bone marrow-derived stem cells can improve the quality of life of patients with RP, although the improvement is lost with time. A larger number of cases will be necessary to evaluate the repercussions of this therapy on the quality of life of these patients.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01560715. Registered March 19, 2012.
Transplantation of mouse embryonic stem cell-derived oligodendrocytes in the murine model of globoid cell leukodystrophy
Authors: Kuai Xiao Ling , Ni Run Zhou , Zhou Guo Xiong , Mao Zheng Biao , Zhang Jian Feng , Yi Nan , Liu Zhao Xiu , Shao Nan , Ni Wen Kai , Wang Zhi Wei 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) is a severe disorder of the central and peripheral nervous system caused by the absence of galactocerebrosidase (GALC) activity. Cell-based therapies are highly promising strategies for GLD. In this study, G-Olig2 mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) were induced into oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and were implanted into the brains of twitcher mice, an animal model of GLD, to explore the therapeutic potential of the cells.

Methods
The G-Olig2 ESCs were induced into OPCs by using cytokines and a multi-step differentiation procedure. Oligodendrocyte markers were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunocytochemistry. The toxicity of psychosine to OPCs was determined by a cell proliferation assay kit. The GALC level of OPCs was also examined. OPCs were labeled with Dir and transplanted into the brains of twitcher mice. The transplanted cells were detected by in-Vivo Multispectral Imaging System and real-time PCR. The physiological effects of twitcher mice were assessed.

Results
Oligodendrocyte markers were expressed in OPCs, and 76% ± 5.76% of the OPCs were enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)-positive, eGFP was driven by the Olig2 promoter. The effect of psychosine on cell viability indicated that OPCs were more resistant to psychosine toxicity. The GALC level of OPCs was 10.0 ± 1.23 nmol/hour per mg protein, which was significantly higher than other cells. Dir-labeled OPCs were injected into the forebrain of post-natal day 10 twitcher mice. The transplanted OPCs were myelin basic protein (MBP)-positive and remained along the injection tract as observed by fluorescent microscopy. The level of the Dir fluorescent signal and eGFP mRNA significantly decreased at days 10 and 20 after injection, as indicated by in-Vivo Multispectral Imaging System and real-time PCR. Because of poor cell survival and limited migration ability, there was no significant improvement in brain GALC activity, MBP level, life span, body weight, and behavioral deficits of twitcher mice.

Conclusions
ESC-derived OPC transplantation was not sufficient to reverse the clinical course of GLD in twitcher mice.
Selective pruning in pineapple plants as means to reduce heterogeneity in fruit quality
Authors: Fassinou Hotegni V Nicodème , Lommen Willemien J M , Agbossou Euloge K , Struik Paul C 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Heterogeneity in fruit quality (size and taste) is a major problem in pineapple production chains. The possibilities were investigated of reducing the heterogeneity in pineapple in the field by pruning slips on selected plants, in order to promote the fruit growth on these plants. Slips are side shoots that develop just below the pineapple fruit during fruit development. Two on-farm experiments were carried out in commercial fields in Benin with a cultivar locally known as Sugarloaf, to determine (a) the effect of slip pruning on fruit quality; (b) whether the effect of slip pruning depends on the pruning time; and (c) whether slip pruning from the plants with the smallest infructescences results in more uniformity in fruit quality. A split-plot design was used with pruning time (2 or 3 months after inflorescence emergence) as main factor and fraction of pruned plants (no plants pruned (control); pruning on the one-third plants with the smallest infructescences; pruning on the two-thirds plants with the smallest infructescences; pruning on all plants) as sub-factor. Fruit quality characteristics measured at harvest were the fruit (infructescence + crown) weight and length, the infructescence weight and length, the crown weight and length, the ratio crown length: infructescence length, the total soluble solids, the juice pH and the flesh translucency. Results indicated that pruning of slips of any fraction of the plants at 2 or 3 months after inflorescence emergence did not lead to a consistent improvement in quality or uniformity. Consequently it is not recommended to farmers in Benin to prune the slips.
Neutrophil-derived MRP-14 is up-regulated in infectious osteomyelitis and stimulates osteoclast generation
Authors: Dapunt Ulrike , Giese Thomas , Maurer Susanne , Stegmaier Sabine , Prior Birgit , Hänsch G Maria , Gaida Matthias M 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Bone infections of patients with joint replacement by endoprosthesis (so called “periprosthetic joint infection”) pose a severe problem in the field of orthopedic surgery. The diagnosis is often difficult, and treatment is, in most cases, complicated and prolonged. Patients often require an implant exchange surgery, as the persistent infection and the accompanying inflammation lead to tissue damage with bone degradation and consequently, to a loosening of the implant. To gain insight into the local inflammatory process, expression of the proinflammatory cytokine MRP-14, a major content of neutrophils, and its link to subsequent bone degradation was evaluated. We found MRP-14 prominently expressed in the affected tissue of patients with implant-associated infection, in close association with the chemokine CXCL8 and a dense infiltrate of neutrophils and macrophages. In addition, the number of MRP-14-positive cells correlated with the presence of bone-resorbing osteoclasts. MRP-14 plasma concentrations were significantly higher in patients with implant-associated infection compared with patients with sterile inflammation or healthy individuals, advocating MRP-14 as a novel diagnostic marker. A further biologic activity of MRP-14 was detected: rMRP-14 directly induced the differentiation of monocytes to osteoclasts, thus linking the inflammatory response in implant infections with osteoclast generation, bone degradation, and implant loosening.
Broadband electrical properties of clays and shales: Comparative investigations of remolded and preserved samples
Authors: Josh Matthew , Clennell Ben 
Published: March 2015

The dielectric permittivity of mudrocks cannot be determined from the mixing ratios of the constituent minerals and brine and their individual dielectric response. The high-frequency dielectric permittivity is linked ([Formula: see text] correlation) to water content, but the relationship is complicated by mineral type and the hydration state. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) and specific surface area (SSA) determine the establishment of a polarizable electrical double layer and give rise to the long range diffusion of ions leading to Maxwell-Wagner polarization. This ultimately determines the dielectric response below 50 MHz. Procedures for SSA analysis based on sorption of 2-ethoxyethanol and CEC analysis based on methylene blue titration, were developed for investigating swelling clays. These were combined with a procedure for preparing remolded paste samples from pulverized rock and drill cuttings to form the basis of this investigation. In a case study of 123 drill cutting samples retrieved from an undisclosed well, dielectric analysis of the remolded samples exhibits [Formula: see text] correlation with SSA, [Formula: see text] correlation with CEC, and [Formula: see text] correlation with clay content. A pseudodielectric log of the remolded drill cuttings exhibited a weak correlation with downhole resistivity, gamma ray, and compressional slowness logs measured by a service company in the shaly sections of the well, but no correlation in the sandy section of the well. This attributed to better preservation of shaly cuttings due to finer microstructure and therefore less alteration during uphole transport and sample preparation.
Synchronized Self-assembly of a Fullerene Derivative Passing through a Programmable Microflow Field
Authors: Numata Munenori , Kozawa Tomohiro , Nakadozono Takuya , Sanada Yusuke , Sakurai Kazuo 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
To date, little attention has been paid to the positive control of the self-assemble process itself. Rapid activation and synchronous growth of PCBM, a kind of fullerene derivative, in a precisely controlled flow field led to the creation of various micrometer-sized sheet structures. Unlike the conventional vial mixing process, microflow always provides a reproducible chemical environment at the molecular level, overcoming the general difficulty in kinetically controlled self-assembly.
Effects of mutations on the molecular dynamics of oxygen escape from the dimeric hemoglobin of Scapharca inaequivalvis
Authors: Trujillo Kevin , Papagiannopoulos Tasso , Olsen Kenneth W. 
Published: March 2015

Like many hemoglobins, the structure of the dimeric hemoglobin from the clamScapharca inaequivalvisis a “closed bottle” since there is no direct tunnel from the oxygen binding site on the heme to the solvent. The proximal histidine faces the dimer interface, which consists of the E and F helicies. This is significantly different from tetrameric vertebrate hemoglobins and brings the heme groups near the subunit interface. The subunit interface is also characterized by an immobile, hydrogen-bonded network of water molecules. Although there is data which is consistent with the histidine gate pathway for ligand escape, these aspects of the structure would seem to make that pathway less likely. Locally enhanced sampling molecular dynamics are used here to suggest alternative pathways in the wild-type and six mutant proteins. In most cases the point mutations change the selection of exit routes observed in the simulations. Exit via the histidine gate is rarely seem although oxygen molecules do occasionally cross over the interface from one subunit to the other. The results suggest that changes in flexibility and, in some cases, creation of new cavities can explain the effects of the mutations on ligand exit paths.