bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis and performance of CMA blind deconvolution for image restoration
Authors: Samarasinghe Pradeepa D. , Kennedy Rodney A. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryIn this paper we study the applicability of classical blind deconvolution methods such as constant modulus algorithm (CMA) for blind adaptive image restoration. The requirements such as the source to be white, uniformly distributed and zero mean, which yield satisfactory convergence in the data communication application context, are revisited in the image restoration context, where a linear deblur kernel needs to be blindly adapted to compensate for an unknown image blur kernel with the objective to recover a source ground truth image. Through analysis and performance studies, we show that the performance of CMA is adversely affected by the intrinsic spatial correlation of natural images and by any deviation of their distribution from being platykurtic. We also show that decorrelation techniques designed to overcome spatial correlation cannot be effectively applied to rectify CMA performance for blind adaptive image restoration. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phosphideinbau in ein Cyclotrisilen
Authors: Robinson Thomas P. , Cowley Michael J. , Scheschkewitz David , Goicoechea Jose M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWir berichten über die Reaktivität des 2‐Phosphaethinolat‐Anions (PCO−) gegenüber einem cyclischen Trisilen (cSi3(Tip)4), die in einer Nettoaktivierung der P‐C‐ und Si‐Si‐Mehrfachbindungen der Vorstufen resultiert und so das heteroatomare Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentan‐2‐on‐Analogon [P(CO)Si3(Tip)4]− (1) erzeugt. Diese Reaktion kann als formale Addition eines Phosphids und eines Carbonyls über die Si‐Si‐Doppelbindung interpretiert werden. Photolytische Decarbonylierung von 1 resultiert im Einbau der Phosphideinheit in das Cyclotrisilengerüst und liefert so einen Artverwandten des Cyclobutenanions mit nennenswert allylischem Charakter.
Brief Report: Connecting Two Pathways Through Ca2+ Signaling: NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation Induced by a Hypermorphic PLCG2 Mutation
Authors: Chae Jae Jin , Park Yong Hwan , Park Chung , Hwang Il‐Young , Hoffmann Patrycja , Kehrl John H. , Aksentijevich Ivona , Kastner Daniel L. 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveWe previously reported that p.Ser707Tyr, a novel variant in phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2), is the cause of a dominantly inherited autoinflammatory disease, autoinflammation and PLCγ2‐associated antibody deficiency and immune dysregulation (APLAID). The hypermorphic mutation enhances PLCγ2 activity and causes an increase in intracellular Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum stores. Because increased intracellular Ca2+ signaling has been associated with NLRP3 inflammasome activation, we studied the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathogenesis of APLAID.MethodsHuman peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from healthy control subjects and 2 patients with APLAID. Inflammasome activation was analyzed by Western blotting. Intracellular Ca2+ levels were measured with a FLIPR Calcium 4 assay kit.ResultsCells from the patients had elevated basal levels of intracellular Ca2+, and the intracellular Ca2+ flux triggered by extracellular CaCl2 was substantially enhanced. Patient PBMCs secreted interleukin‐1β in response to lipopolysaccharide priming alone, and this effect was attenuated by treatment with a PLC inhibitor, intracellular Ca2+ blockers, or an adenylate cyclase activator.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the inflammation in patients with APLAID is partially driven by activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. These data link 2 seemingly distinct molecular pathways and provide new insights into the pathogenesis of APLAID and autoinflammation.
Association of Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis With Distinct Patterns of Synovitis
Authors: de Lange‐Brokaar B. J. E. , Ioan‐Facsinay A. , Yusuf E. , Visser A. W. , Kroon H. M. , van Osch G. J. V. M. , Zuurmond A.‐M. , Stojanovic‐Susulic V. , Bloem J. L. , Nelissen R. G. H. H. , Huizinga T. W. , Kloppenburg M. 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveTo determine possible patterns of synovitis on contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE‐MRI) and its relation to pain and severity in patients with radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsIn total, 86 patients (mean age 62 years, 66% women, median body mass index 29 kg/m2) with symptomatic knee OA (Kellgren/Lawrence radiographic score 3) were included. T1‐weighted, gadolinium‐chelate–enhanced MRI with fat suppression was used to semiquantitatively score the extent of synovitis at 11 knee sites (total score range 0–22). Self‐reported pain was assessed with 3 standardized questionnaires. Principal components analysis (PCA) was used to investigate patterns (the location and severity) of synovitis. Subsequently, these patterns were assessed for associations with pain measures and radiographic severity in adjusted logistic regression models.ResultsSynovitis was observed in 86 patients and was found to be generally mild on CE‐MRI (median total synovitis score 7, range 0–16). The median pain scores were 53 (range 0–96) on the visual analog scale for pain, 51.4 (range 2.8–97.2) on the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) for pain, 35 (range 0–75) on the Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP) score for constant pain, and 40.6 (range 0–87.5) on the ICOAP score for intermittent pain. PCA resulted in extraction of 3 components, explaining 53.4% of the variance. Component 1 was characterized by synovitis at 7 sites (mainly medial parapatellar involvement) and was associated with scores on the KOOS pain subscale and the ICOAP constant pain subscale. Component 2 was characterized by synovitis at 4 sites (mainly the site adjacent to the anterior cruciate ligament), but was not associated with pain measures or with radiographic severity. Component 3, characterized by synovitis at 3 sites (mainly at the loose body site), was associated with radiographic severity.ConclusionDifferent patterns of synovitis in knee OA were observed. The pattern that included several patellar sites was associated with pain, whereas other patterns showed no association, suggesting that pain perception in patients with knee OA is a localized response.
Serum Adipokine Levels in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis and Their Relationship to Clinical Parameters and Radiographic Spinal Progression
Authors: Syrbe Uta , Callhoff Johanna , Conrad Kristina , Poddubnyy Denis , Haibel Hildrun , Junker Susann , Frommer Klaus W. , Müller‐Ladner Ulf , Neumann Elena , Sieper Joachim 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveAdipokines have metabolic and inflammatory functions but can also affect bone metabolism. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between serum levels of adiponectin, resistin, and visfatin and markers of inflammation, disease activity, and radiographic spinal progression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).MethodsLevels of adiponectin, resistin, and visfatin in the serum of 86 AS patients and 25 healthy controls were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay at baseline. Radiographic spinal progression was determined by the scoring of radiographs of the spine obtained at baseline and after 2 years.ResultsMean (±SD) baseline levels of resistin and visfatin were significantly higher in AS patients than in healthy controls (11.6 ± 10.6 ng/ml versus 6.6 ± 3.2 ng/ml [P = 0.01] for resistin, and 20.9 ± 48.3 ng/ml versus 3.4 ± 2.6 ng/ml [P = 0.001] for visfatin). Adipokine serum levels did not correlate with disease activity or functional indices. Only resistin serum levels correlated with markers of inflammation. Baseline levels of visfatin, but not resistin or adiponectin, were significantly higher in patients with worsening of the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS) by ≥2 units after 2 years (n = 19) as compared to patients without mSASSS worsening (37.7 ± 57.8 ng/ml versus 16.1 ± 44.6 ng/ml; P = 0.029) and in patients with syndesmophyte formation/progression (n = 22) as compared to patients without such progression (37.1 ± 55.3 ng/ml versus 15.3 ± 44.8 ng/ml; P = 0.023). Visfatin levels of >8 ng/ml at baseline were predictive of subsequent radiographic spinal progression (adjusted odds ratio 3.6 for mSASSS progression and 5.4 for syndesmophyte formation/progression).ConclusionSerum levels of resistin and visfatin are elevated in AS patients. Elevated visfatin levels at baseline are predictive of subsequent progression of radiographic damage in AS patients.
The future of ancient DNA: Technical advances and conceptual shifts
Authors: Hofreiter Michael , Paijmans Johanna L. A. , Goodchild Helen , Speller Camilla F. , Barlow Axel , Fortes Gloria G. , Thomas Jessica A. , Ludwig Arne , Collins Matthew J. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractTechnological innovations such as next generation sequencing and DNA hybridisation enrichment have resulted in multi‐fold increases in both the quantity of ancient DNA sequence data and the time depth for DNA retrieval. To date, over 30 ancient genomes have been sequenced, moving from 0.7× coverage (mammoth) in 2008 to more than 50× coverage (Neanderthal) in 2014. Studies of rapid evolutionary changes, such as the evolution and spread of pathogens and the genetic responses of hosts, or the genetics of domestication and climatic adaptation, are developing swiftly and the importance of palaeogenomics for investigating evolutionary processes during the last million years is likely to increase considerably. However, these new datasets require new methods of data processing and analysis, as well as conceptual changes in interpreting the results. In this review we highlight important areas of future technical and conceptual progress and discuss research topics in the rapidly growing field of palaeogenomics.
Antiproliferative and metabolic effects of metformin in a preoperative window clinical trial for endometrial cancer
Authors: Schuler Kevin M. , Rambally Brooke S. , DiFurio Megan J. , Sampey Brante P. , Gehrig Paola A. , Makowski Liza , Bae‐Jump Victoria L. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWe conducted a preoperative window study of metformin in endometrial cancer (EC) patients and evaluated its antiproliferative, molecular and metabolic effects. Twenty obese women with endometrioid EC were treated with metformin (850 mg) daily for up to 4 weeks prior to surgical staging. Expression of the proliferation marker Ki‐67, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), and downstream targets of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway were measured by immunohistochemistry. Global, untargeted metabolomics analysis of serum pre‐ and postmetformin treatment, and matched tumor, was performed. Metformin reduced proliferation by 11.75% (P = 0.008) based on the comparison of pre‐ and posttreatment endometrial tumors. A total of 65% of patients responded to metformin as defined by a decrease in Ki‐67 staining in their endometrial tumors post‐treatment. Metformin decreased expression of phosphorylated (p)‐AMPK (P = 0.00001), p‐Akt (P = 0.0002), p‐S6 (51.2%, P = 0.0002), p‐4E‐BP‐1 (P = 0.001), and ER (P = 0.0002) but not PR expression. Metabolomic profiling of serum indicated that responders versus nonresponders to treatment were more sensitive to metformin's effects on induction of lipolysis, which correlated with increased fatty acid oxidation and glycogen metabolism in matched tumors. In conclusion, metformin reduced tumor proliferation in a pre‐operative window study in obese EC patients, with dramatic effects on inhibition of the mTOR pathway. Metformin induced a shift in lipid and glycogen metabolism that was more pronounced in the serum and tumors of responders versus nonresponders to treatment.This study provides support for therapeutic clinical trials of metformin in obese patients with EC.
Divergent Reactivity of Homologue ortho‐Allenylbenzaldehydes Controlled by the Tether Length: Chromone versus Chromene Formation
Authors: Alcaide Benito , Almendros Pedro , Fernández Israel , Martínez del Campo Teresa , Naranjo Teresa 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe divergent behavior of two homologue allenals, namely, 2‐(buta‐2,3‐dienyloxy)‐ and 2‐(propa‐1,2‐dienyloxy)benzaldehydes, as cyclization substrates is described. 2‐(Buta‐2,3‐dienyloxy)benzaldehydes suffers a formal allenic carbocyclization reaction to afford chromenes, whereas 2‐(propa‐1,2‐dienyloxy)benzaldehydes react to yield chromones. The formation of chromenes is strictly a formal hydroarylation process divided into two parts, namely, allenic Claisen‐type rearrangement and oxycyclization. An unknown N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐catalyzed allenic hydroacylation reaction must be invoked to account for the preparation of chromones. ortho‐Allenylbenzaldehydes bearing either electron‐donating substituents or electron‐withdrawing substituents worked well to afford both the hydroarylation and hydroacylation products. This unexpected difference in reactivity can be rationalized by means of density functional theory calculations.
Bevacizumab and the risk of arterial and venous thromboembolism in patients with metastatic, castration‐resistant prostate cancer treated on Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) 90401 (Alliance)
Authors: Patel Jai N. , Jiang Chen , Hertz Daniel L. , Mulkey Flora A. , Owzar Kouros , Halabi Susan , Ratain Mark J. , Friedman Paula N. , Small Eric J. , Carducci Michael A. , Mahoney John F. , Kelley Michael J. , Morris Michael J. , Kelly William K. , McLeod Howard L. 
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUNDBevacizumab is associated with an increased risk of arterial thromboembolism (ATE); however, its effect on venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains controversial. Scant data exist on the factors that increase the risk of ATE/VTE in patients with prostate cancer. The authors investigated the association of bevacizumab treatment and clinical factors with ATE/VTE risk in patients who were treated on Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) trial 90401.METHODSPatients with metastatic, castration‐resistant prostate cancer were randomized to receive docetaxel and prednisone with or without bevacizumab once every 21 days. Cycle‐to‐event Cox regression models were used to investigate the association of bevacizumab with the incidence of grade 3 or greater (≥3) ATE and VTE. Age, prior ATE/VTE, baseline antiplatelet/anticoagulant use, and VTE risk score (based on leukocyte count, hemoglobin, platelet count, body mass index, and tumor location) were evaluated in univariate and multivariable analyses.RESULTSOf 1008 randomized patients, the odds of experiencing grade ≥3 ATE were significantly greater in those who received bevacizumab compared with those who received placebo (odds ratio, 2.79;P= .02), whereas an opposite trend was noted for grade ≥3 VTE (odds ratio, 0.60;P= .08). In the multivariable analysis, bevacizumab treatment (hazard ratio [HR], 3.00;P= .01) and age (HR, 1.06;P= .02) were significantly associated with the risk of ATE; whereas age (HR, 1.05;P= .01) and VTE risk score (HR, 1.83;P= .03) were significantly associated with the risk of VTE.CONCLUSIONSBevacizumab was significantly associated with a greater risk of ATE in patients with metastatic, castration‐resistant prostate cancer, but it was not significantly associated with the risk of VTE. Understanding clinical factors that increase the risk for experiencing ATE/VTE is essential to mitigate the risks and reduce the burden of these prevalent complications in cancer care.Cancer 2015;121:1025–1031.©2014 American Cancer Society.
Perinatal and familial risk factors for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a Swedish national cohort
Authors: Crump Casey , Sundquist Jan , Sieh Weiva , Winkleby Marilyn A. , Sundquist Kristina 
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUNDPerinatal factors including high birth weight have been found to be associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in case‐control studies. However, to the best of our knowledge, these findings have seldom been examined in large population‐based cohort studies, and the specific contributions of gestational age and fetal growth remain unknown.METHODSThe authors conducted a national cohort study of 3,569,333 individuals without Down syndrome who were born in Sweden between 1973 and 2008 and followed for the incidence of ALL through 2010 (maximum age, 38 years) to examine perinatal and familial risk factors.RESULTSThere were 1960 ALL cases with 69.7 million person‐years of follow‐up. After adjusting for potential confounders, risk factors for ALL included high fetal growth (incidence rate ratio [IRR] per additional 1 standard deviation, 1.07; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.02‐1.11 [P =.002]; and IRR for large vs appropriate for gestational age, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.06‐1.40 [P =.005]), first‐degree family history of ALL (IRR, 7.41; 95% CI, 4.60‐11.95 [P<.001]), male sex (IRR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.10‐1.31 [P<.001]), and parental country of birth (IRR for both parents born in Sweden vs other countries, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.00‐1.27 [P =.045]). These risk factors did not appear to vary by patient age at the time of diagnosis of ALL. Gestational age at birth, season of birth, birth order, multiple birth, parental age, and parental education level were not found to be associated with ALL.CONCLUSIONSIn this large cohort study, high fetal growth was found to be associated with an increased risk of ALL in childhood through young adulthood, independent of gestational age at birth, suggesting that growth factor pathways may play an important long‐term role in the etiology of ALL. Cancer 2015;121:1040–1047. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
An Electron‐Deficient Small Molecule Accessible from Sustainable Synthesis and Building Blocks for Use as a Fullerene Alternative in Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: McAfee Seth M. , Topple Jessica M. , Payne Abby‐Jo , Sun Jon‐Paul , Hill Ian G. , Welch Gregory C. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAn electron‐deficient small molecule accessible from sustainable isoindigo and phthalimide building blocks was synthesized via optimized synthetic procedures that incorporate microwave‐assisted synthesis and a heterogeneous catalyst for Suzuki coupling, and direct heteroarylation carbon–carbon bond forming reactions. The material was designed as a non‐fullerene acceptor with the help of DFT calculations and characterized by optical, electronic, and thermal analysis. Further investigation of the material revealed a differing solid‐state morphology with the use of three well‐known processing conditions: thermal annealing, solvent vapor annealing and small volume fractions of 1,8‐diiodooctane (DIO) additive. These unique morphologies persist in the active layer blends and have demonstrated a distinct influence on device performance. Organic photovoltaic–bulk heterojunction (OPV‐BHJ) devices show an inherently high open circuit voltage (Voc) with the best power conversion efficiency (PCE) cells reaching 1.0 V with 0.4 v/v % DIO as a processing additive.
Biology and flow cytometry of proangiogenic hematopoietic progenitors cells
Authors: Rose Jonathan A. , Erzurum Serpil , Asosingh Kewal 
Published: November 2014

AbstractDuring development, hematopoiesis and neovascularization are closely linked to each other via a common bipotent stem cell called the hemangioblast that gives rise to both hematopoietic cells and endothelial cells. In postnatal life, this functional connection between the vasculature and hematopoiesis is maintained by a subset of hematopoietic progenitor cells endowed with the capacity to differentiate into potent proangiogenic cells. These proangiogenic hematopoietic progenitors comprise a specific subset of bone marrow (BM)‐derived cells that homes to sites of neovascularization and possess potent paracrine angiogenic activity. There is emerging evidence that this subpopulation of hematopoietic progenitors plays a critical role in vascular health and disease. Their angiogenic activity is distinct from putative “endothelial progenitor cells” that become structural cells of the endothelium by differentiation into endothelial cells. Proangiogenic hematopoietic progenitor cell research requires multidisciplinary expertise in flow cytometry, hematology, and vascular biology. This review provides a comprehensive overview of proangiogenic hematopoietic progenitor cell biology and flow cytometric methods to detect these cells in the peripheral blood circulation and BM. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Electrochemical Communication Between Electrodes and Rhodobacter capsulatus Grown in Different Metabolic Modes
Authors: Hasan Kamrul , Reddy Kesava Vijalapuram Raghava , Eßmann Vera , Górecki Kamil , Conghaile Peter Ó , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Leech Dónal , Hägerhäll Cecilia , Gorton Lo 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe majority of efforts on microbial and photosynthetic microbial fuel cells are both curiosity driven and made to possibly meet the future growing demand for sustainable energy. The most metabolically versatile purple bacteria Rhodobacter capsulatus is a potential candidate for this purpose. However, utilizing bacteria in such systems requires efficient electronic transfer communication between the microbial cells and the electrodes, which is one of the greatest challenges. Previous studies demonstrated that osmium redox polymers (ORPs) could be used for extracellular electron transfer between the cells and electrodes. Recently, heterotrophically grown R. capsulatus has been wired with ORP modified electrodes. Here in this communication, we report electron transfer from R. capsulatus grown under heterotrophic as well as under photoheterotrophic conditions to electrodes. The cells, immobilized on bare graphite and ORP modified graphite electrodes, were excited with visible light and subsequent photosynthetic electron transfer was recorded using cyclic voltammetric and chronoamperometric measurements. Photoheterotrophically grown R. capsulatus cells on bare graphite generate a significant photocurrent density of 3.46 µA cm−2, whereas on an ORP modified electrode the current density increases to 8.46 µA cm−2. Furthermore, when 1 mM p‐benzoquinone is added to the electrolyte the photocurrent density reaches 12.25 µA cm−2. Our results could have significant implications in photosynthetic energy conversion and in development of photobioelectrochemical devices.
Public Engagement and the Importance of Content, Purpose, and Timing
Authors: Grogan Colleen M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIt is easy to call for public engagement (or dialogue) around difficult, morally fraught policy topics such as synthetic biology, but it is quite another thing to make sure that the deliberation is meaningful, as Kaebnick, Gusmano, and Murray aptly insist it should be. The surveys, focus groups, and public dialogues that have been held about synthetic biology to date show a very low level of public knowledge about it. Focus group findings also suggest that the in­herent uncertainty and complexity surrounding synthetic biology give rise to greater ambivalence moving forward. The Science and Technology Innovation Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and Hart Research Associates presented respondents with a “balanced description” of synthetic biology in nation­wide phone surveys and eight sessions of focus groups and found that, after respondents received information, the percentage saying that the risks outweighed the ben­efits consistently increased.In my view, the Hart research suggests three very im­portant conclusions about how best to structure public deliberation. First, information about uncertainty may not inform the public in any meaningful way. Second, the purpose of assessing public opinion and conduct­ing public deliberation is crucially important. Third, as Kaebnick, Gusmano, and Murray point out, the type and framing of the information given and the timing of the discussion matters a great deal for shaping the content.