bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization of ubiquitin‐specific protease 18 reveals substrate specificity for interferon‐stimulated gene 15
Authors: Basters Anja , Geurink Paul P. , El Oualid Farid , Ketscher Lars , Casutt Marco S. , Krause Eberhard , Ovaa Huib , Knobeloch Klaus‐Peter , Fritz Günter 
Published: February 2014

Protein modification by interferon‐stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), an ubiquitin‐like modifier, affects multiple cellular functions and represents one of the major antiviral effector systems. Covalent linkage of ISG15 to proteins was previously reported to be counteracted by ubiquitin‐specific protease 18 (USP18). To date, analysis of the molecular properties of USP18 was hampered by low expression yields and impaired solubility. We established high‐yield expression of USP18 in insect cells and purified the protease to homogeneity. USP18 binds with high affinity to ISG15, as shown by microscale thermophoresis with a Kd of 1.3 ± 0.2 μm. The catalytic properties of USP18 were characterized by a novel assay using ISG15 fused to a fluorophore via an isopeptide bond, giving a Km of 4.6 ± 0.2 μm and a kcat of 0.23 ± 0.004 s−1, respectively, at pH 7.5. Furthermore, the recombinant enzyme cleaves efficiently ISG15 but not ubiquitin from endogenous cellular substrates. In line with these data, USP18 exhibited neither cross‐reactivity with an ubiquitin isopeptide fluorophore substrate, nor with a ubiquitin vinyl sulfone, showing that the enzyme is specific for ISG15.Structured digital abstract●ISG15 and USP18 bind by microscale thermophoresis (View interaction)●USP18 cleaves ISG15 by enzymatic study (View interaction)
Hepatocellular carcinoma risk assessment using gadoxetic acid‐enhanced hepatocyte phase magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Komatsu Nobutoshi , Motosugi Utaroh , Maekawa Shinya , Shindo Kuniaki , Sakamoto Minoru , Sato Mitsuaki , Tatsumi Akihisa , Miura Mika , Amemiya Fumitake , Nakayama Yasuhiro , Inoue Taisuke , Fukasawa Mitsuharu , Uetake Tomoyoshi , Ohtaka Masahiko , Sato Tadashi , Asahina Yasuhiro , Kurosaki Masayuki , Izumi Namiki , Ichikawa Tomoaki , Araki Tsutomu , Enomoto Nobuyuki 
Published: February 2014

AimTo investigate whether the patients with hypovascular liver nodules determined on the arterial phase and hypointensity on the hepatocyte phase gadoxetic acid‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (hypovascular hypointense nodules) are at increased risk of hepatocarcinogenesis, we assessed subsequent typical hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development at any sites of the liver with and without such nodules.MethodsOne hundred and twenty‐seven patients with chronic hepatitis B or C and without a history of HCC, including 68 with liver cirrhosis, were divided into those with (non‐clean liver group, n = 18) and without (clean liver group, n = 109) hypovascular hypointense nodules. All the patients were followed up for 3 years, and HCC development rates and risk factors were analyzed with the Kaplan–Meier method and the Cox proportional hazard model, respectively.ResultsA total of 17 patients (10 in the non‐clean liver group and seven in the clean liver group) developed typical HCC. Cumulative 3‐year rates of HCC development were 55.5% in the non‐clean liver group and 6.4% in the clean liver group (P < 0.001), and those at the different sites from the initial nodules was also higher in the non‐clean liver group (22.2%) than the clean liver group (6.4%) (P = 0.003). Multivariate analysis identified older age (P = 0.024), low platelet counts (P = 0.017) and a non‐clean liver (P < 0.001) as independent risk factors for subsequent HCC development.ConclusionPatients with hypovascular hypointense liver nodules are at a higher risk for HCC development at any sites of the liver than those without such nodules.
Chrome spinel in normal MORB‐type greenstones from the Paleozoic–Mesozoic Mino terrane, East Takayama area, central Japan: Crystallization course with a U‐turn
Authors: Agata Takashi , Adachi Mamoru 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPhenocrystic chrome spinel crystallized in normal MORB‐type greenstones in the East Takayama area. Associated phenocryst minerals show a crystallization sequence that was olivine first, followed by plagioclase, and finally clinopyroxene. Chrome spinel ranges from 0.54 to 0.77 in Mg/(Mg+Fe2+) and 0.21 to 0.53 in Cr/(Cr+Al); the Fe3+ content varies from 0.07 to 0.22 p.f.u. (O = 4). Significant compositional differences of spinel were observed among the phenocryst mineral assemblages. Chrome spinel in the olivine–spinel assemblage shows a wide range in Cr/(Cr+Al), and is depleted in Fe2+ and Fe3+. Chrome spinel in the olivine–plagioclase–clinopyroxene–spinel assemblage is Fe2+‐ and Fe3+‐rich at relatively high Cr/(Cr+Al) ratios. Basalt with the olivine–plagioclase–spinel assemblage contains both aluminous spinel and Fe2+‐ and Fe3+‐rich spinel. The assumed olivine–spinel equilibrium suggests that chrome spinel in the olivine–spinel assemblage changed in composition from Cr‐ and Fe2+‐rich to Al‐ and Mg‐rich with the progress of fractional crystallization. Chrome spinel in the olivine–plagioclase–clinopyroxene–spinel assemblage, on the other hand, exhibits the reversed variations in Mg/(Mg+Fe2+) and in Cr/(Cr+Al) ratios that decrease and increase with the fractional crystallization, respectively. The entire crystallization course of chrome spinel, projected onto the Mg/(Mg+Fe2+)–Cr/(Cr+Al) diagram, exhibits a U‐turn, and appears to be set on a double‐lane route. The U‐turn point lies in the compositional field of chrome spinel in the olivine–plagioclase–spinel assemblage, and may be explained by plagioclase fractionation that began during the formation of the olivine–plagioclase–spinel assemblage.
Fatigue and nanomechanical properties of K3XF nickel‐titanium instruments
Authors: Shen Y. , Zhou H. , Campbell L. , Wang Z. , Wang R. , Du T. , Haapasalo M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimTo examine the fatigue behaviour of heat‐treated NiTi instruments when immersed in aqueous media and to determine the effect of cyclic fatigue on the hardness and elastic modulus of NiTi instruments using a nanoindentation technique.MethodologyK3XF and K3 NiTi instruments, both in sizes 25, 0.04 taper and 40, 0.04 taper, were subjected to rotational bending at a curvature of 42° either in air or under deionized water, and the number of revolutions to fracture (Nf) was recorded. The fracture surface of all fragments was examined with a scanning electron microscope. The hardness and elastic modulus of the fracture surface of instruments sized 25, 0.04 taper were then measured using a nanoindentation test.ResultsThe K3XF instruments had a fatigue resistance superior to K3 instruments under dry and aqueous environments (P < 0.05). The fatigue life of K3 instruments was similar under both conditions, whereas the Nf of K3XF was greater under water than in air, especially at the size 40, 0.04 taper (P < 0.05). The values for the fraction of the area occupied by the dimple region were significantly smaller in K3XF instruments than in K3 instruments, especially under water (P < 0.05). There was no difference in hardness on K3XF instruments between new files and instruments subjected to the fatigue process. The hardness of instruments subjected to the fatigue process was significantly lower in K3XF than in K3 instruments (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe fatigue life of K3XF instruments under water is longer than it is for K3XF instruments in air. There was no work‐hardening effect on K3XF instruments subjected to the fatigue process.
Scleromyxedema without paraproteinemia
Authors: Abarzúa Alvaro A. , Giesen Laura F. , Sandoval Mauricio O. , González Sergio B. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundScleromyxedema is a rare generalized form of lichen myxedematosus, a chronic cutaneous mucinosis of unknown etiology usually associated with a monoclonal gammopathy and underlying systemic disorders. It is characterized by the presence of lichenoid papules and diffuse indurations of the skin. Histologically, mucin deposits are observed in the dermis as variable degrees of fibrosis. Numerous treatment modalities have been reported as producing partial or inconsistent responses associated with significant adverse effects.MethodsWe report an unusual case of scleromyxedema not associated with monoclonal gammopathy in a young patient who was treated with thalidomide.ResultsPatient remained stable with maintenance of injuries despite treatment with thalidomide.ConclusionsScleromyxedema is a rare presentation for which a defined therapeutic regimen remains to be established. Treatment with thalidomide has proved to be effective in the management of these patients. We suggest that these patients should be followed up with periodic protein electrophoresis with immunofixation for a monoclonal component in blood and urine. As the therapeutic approach to scleromyxedema remains challenging and treatment is based on symptomatic presentation, further clinical studies to substantiate an effective therapeutic regimen with a positive long‐term safety and risk profile are required.
Roseola infantum and its causal human herpesviruses
Authors: Stone Rivka C. , Micali Giuseppe A. , Schwartz Robert A. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractRoseola infantum, also known as exanthem subitum or sixth disease, is a generally benign febrile exanthem of infancy. It has a characteristic clinical course of high fever followed by the appearance of an exanthem upon defervescence. Febrile seizures are a frequent complication. Roseola is caused by infection with human herpesviruses 6 or 7 (HHV‐6/7), which are acquired at a young age. Diagnosis is made by serology or by virus detection in body fluids and tissues. Treatment of roseola is supportive; recovery is usually complete with no significant sequelae. However, HHV‐6/7 can reactivate in immunocompetent as well as immunocompromised individuals with severe systemic consequence.
Scolopendra bites: a report of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Veraldi Stefano , Çuka Ermira , Gaiani Francesca 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundCentipedes are arthropods belonging to the class Chilopoda. Approximately 3000 species have been described. Centipedes are found more commonly in tropical and subtropical countries. Centipedes possess venomous fangs. The Scolopendra represent the best‐known genus of centipede.MethodsWe describe two cases of severe skin reactions caused by Scolopendra subspinipes bites.ResultsBoth patients were bitten on the hand. The clinical picture was characterized by severe erythematous edema. In addition, one patient presented with a blister. Both patients complained of severe pain. Laboratory examinations showed leukocytosis and an increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Complete remission was achieved within two weeks by means of paracetamol and oral prednisone.ConclusionsWestern dermatologists should be aware of the possibility of severe skin reactions caused by centipede bites.
Local comparative advantage: Trade costs and the pattern of trade
Authors: Deardorff Alan V. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWhen there are costs of trade, such as transport or other costs, the pattern of trade may not be well described by the usual measures of comparative advantage, which simply compare a country's costs or autarky prices to those of the world. Instead, a better comparison takes into account the costs of trade. This paper shows first, in an example, how trade patterns can vary with costs of trade. It then provides restatements of the law of comparative advantage, first in a Ricardian model with trade costs, then extending a 1980 result due to Deardorff and to Dixit and Norman to include trade costs explicitly in a general framework. It uses this latter result to derive two correlations relating trade patterns to measures of comparative advantage that take account of both autarky prices and the costs of trade. Finally, the paper examines the solution to a trade model with product differentiation in order to make the potential role of trade costs more explicit, both algebraically and graphically. With product differentiation either by country or by firm, net trade in an industry, both bilaterally and globally, depends on a country's costs of both production and trade relative to an index of those costs for other countries.
Outsourcing versus vertical integration: Ethier–Markusen meets the property‐rights approach
Authors: Markusen James R. , Xie Yiqing 
Published: February 2014

AbstractEarly analyses of direct investment versus outsourcing focused on the existence of knowledge‐based assets, knowledge being non‐rivaled and non‐excludable. Ethier was the first to formally model the consequences of non‐excludability for the vertical integration versus outsourcing decision. Later authors took a different approach, modeling physical capital as fully excludable but relationship‐specific. This paper further develops a model with both non‐excludable knowledge capital and fully excludable physical capital. Results show that vertical integration tends to be chosen when (a) the technology is relatively knowledge intensive and/or when (b) knowledge and physical capital are strong complements.
Multilateral environmental agreements in the WTO: Silence speaks volumes
Authors: Horn Henrik , Mavroidis Petros C. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis study contributes to the debate concerning the appropriate role of multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) in WTO dispute settlement. It seeks to address this relationship in light of the reason why the parties have chosen to separate their obligations into two bodies of law without providing an explicit nexus between them. The basic conclusion is that legislators’ silence concerning this relationship should speak volumes to WTO adjudicating bodies: MEAs should not be automatically understood as imposing legally binding obligations on WTO members, but could be used as sources of factual information.
Practical aspects of telehealth: establishing telehealth in an institution
Authors: Sabesan S. , Allen D. T. , Caldwell P. , Loh P. K. , Mozer R. , Komesaroff P. A. , Talman P. , Williams M. , Shaheen N. , Grabinski O. ,   the Royal Australasian College of Physicians Telehealth Working Group
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe fifth in a series of papers on practical aspects of telehealth, this paper discusses telehealth models that can facilitate the provision of specialist services to rural and remote patients closer to home. Some of the barriers to successful implementation of these models relates to workforce, funding and infrastructure at rural sites, as well as the traditional mindset of healthcare professionals. Therefore, the rural sector needs to be adequately resourced for telehealth models to be substantive and successful. This paper describes the development of a large teleoncology network over a vast geographical area in North Queensland. Adequate resourcing for the rural sites and undertaking quality improvement activities has continually enhanced the model over a 5‐ to 6‐year period. The benefits of this model of care are twofold: (i) patients received their care closer to home and (ii) the workforce, service capabilities and infrastructure for the hospital in Mt Isa (a rural town 900 km away from its tertiary centre) has improved.
Evidence‐based prescribing of drugs for secondary prevention of acute coronary syndrome in Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal patients admitted to Western Australian hospitals
Authors: Gausia K. , Katzenellenbogen J. M. , Sanfilippo F. M. , Knuiman M. W. , Thompson P. L. , Hobbs M. S. T. , Thompson S. C. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimsTo assess the level of evidence‐based drug prescribing for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) at discharge from Western Australian (WA) hospitals and determine predictors of such prescribing in Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal patients.MethodsAll Aboriginal (2002–2004) and a random sample of non‐Aboriginal (2003) hospital admissions with a principal diagnosis of ACS were extracted from the WA Hospital Morbidity Data Collection of WA Data Linkage System. Clinical information, history of co‐morbidities and drugs were collected from medical notes by trained data collectors. Evidence‐based prescribing (EBP) was defined as prescribing of aspirin, statin and beta‐blocker or angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin II antagonist.ResultsRecords for 1717 ACS patients discharged alive from hospitals were reviewed. The majority of patients (71%) had EBP, and there was no significant difference between Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal patients (70% vs 71%, P = 0.36). Conversely, a significantly higher proportion of Aboriginal patients had none of the drugs prescribed compared with non‐Aboriginal patients (11% vs 7%, P < 0.01). EBP for ACS was independently associated with male sex (odds ratio (OR) 1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26−2.11), previous admission for ACS (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.39–2.42) and diabetes (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.04–1.79). However, ACS patients living in regional and remote areas, attending district or private hospitals, or with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were significantly less likely to have ACS drugs prescribed at discharge.ConclusionsOpportunity exists to improve prescribing of recommended drugs for ACS patients at discharge from WA hospitals in both Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal patients. Attention regarding pharmaceutical management post‐ACS is particularly required for patients from rural and remote areas, and those attending district and private hospitals.
Lower number of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in peripheral blood of children with bronchiolitis following respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: Weng Kaizhi , Zhang Jiaxiang , Mei Xuqiao , Wu Ayang , Zhang Baozhong , Cai Mengyun , Zheng Yuanhai , Ke Zhuanye 
Published: February 2014

ObjectivesDendritic cells (DCs) are key mediators of allergic airway inflammation. Thus, it is important to understand the relationship between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and DCs, especially in children with RSV bronchiolitis.MethodsWe collected peripheral blood from 71 children with RSV bronchiolitis at the time of admission and 28 children who were followed up 3 months following admission. Flow cytometry was performed to detect dendritic cell immunophenotypes.ResultsPatients with RSV bronchiolitis exhibited significantly higher number of myeloid DCs and lower number of plasmacytoid DCs at the time of admission and 3 months following discharge, compared with healthy controls. These children had a significantly higher myeloid/plasmacytoid ratio 3 months after discharge compared with healthy controls.ConclusionsAmong children with RSV bronchiolitis, there is an imbalance in peripheral blood myeloid/plasmacytoid ratio. The low number of plasmacytoid DCs in peripheral blood indicates the development of bronchiolitis due to RSV infection.
Glaciation as an historical filter of below‐ground biodiversity
Authors: Mathieu Jerome , Jonathan Davies T. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimThe latitudinal gradient in species richness is one of the most studied biodiversity patterns. Here we explore a north–south gradient in earthworm diversity, and evaluate the importance of current and historical filters in shaping the distribution of present‐day below‐ground species richness.LocationFrance.MethodsUsing high resolution data on earthworm distributions across France, we document the latitudinal gradients in alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ) diversity. We relate these gradients to species' traits, taxonomic aggregation and co‐occurrence patterns, and correlate them with the present climate and the history of glaciation in Europe.ResultsWe found that γ‐diversity decreases from south to north whereas α‐diversity increases along the same latitudinal gradient. Communities in formerly glaciated regions are composed of smaller, more mobile species and show trait and taxonomical aggregation. In more southerly populations, which did not experience glaciation, earthworm species are larger, have smaller geographical ranges, and communities demonstrate a decrease in species co‐occurrence resulting in lower local species richness.Main conclusionsWe show that species richness gradients can present different – sometimes opposite – latitudinal trends depending upon the scale of the analysis. This scale dependence sheds new light on the underlying causes of global biodiversity gradients. The opposing latitudinal trends of the different components of diversity suggest that recolonization following glaciations during the Pleistocene acted as an environmental filter, and that competitive exclusion may be a more dominant ecological force in these former refugial areas. Overall our results show that past climate changes have left a deep footprint on present‐day earthworm diversity patterns, from community to macroecological scales, and that different mechanisms of earthworm community assembly may predominate at different latitudes.
Risk of Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation with Oral Anticoagulant Use Guided by ECG Monitoring and Pulse Assessment
Authors: RILEY MICHAEL P. , ZADO ERICA , HUTCHINSON MATHEW D. , LIN DAVID , BALA RUPA , GARCIA FERMIN C. , CALLANS DAVID J. , COOPER JOSHUA M. , VERDINO RALPH J. , DIXIT SANJAY , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS E. 
Published: February 2014

Oral Anticoagulant Use After AF AblationIntroductionWe sought to gain insight into stroke risk after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation.Methods and ResultsWe followed 1,990 patients for >1 year (49 ± 29 months) who underwent AF ablation. Prior to stopping oral anticoagulants (OAC), we performed 3‐week transtelephonic ECG monitoring (TTM) and taught patients heart rate and pulse assessment. Documented AF or inability to do monitoring or assess pulse precluded stopping OAC in CHADS2 ≥1 patients. OAC was stopped in 546/840 (65%) with CHADS2 = 0; 384/796 (48%) with CHADS2 = 1 and 101/354 (40%) with CHADS2 ≥ 2. Sixteen strokes or TIAs occurred (0.2%/patient‐year); 5 in CHADS2 = 0 patients (all off OAC); 5 in CHADS2 = 1 (1 off and 4 on OAC); and 6 in CHADS2 ≥2 (2 off and 4 on OAC). Twelve of 16 patients (75%) with stroke or TIA had documented AF. In patients “off ” OAC, stroke rate/year stratified by the CHADS2 score was similar (CHADS2 = 0: 0.28%; CHADS2 = 1: 0.07%; CHADS2 ≥2: 0.50%; P = NS). There was no difference in stroke risk “on” versus “off ” OAC in CHADS2 = 1 (0.48% vs. 0.07%) or CHADS2 ≥2 (0.39% vs. 0.50%). Risk of major bleeding per patient year “on” OAC was > “off ” OAC (13/1,138 (1.14%) versus 1/832 (0.1%); P<0.016).ConclusionsPost‐AF ablation with OAC guided by TTM and pulse assessment: (1) Overall stroke or TIA rate risk is low and risk is due to recurrent AF and (2) OAC can be stopped in 40% of CHADS2 ≥2 patients with low stroke and hemorrhagic risk.