bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin deficiency attenuates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Eckhardt J , Döbbeler M , König C , Kuczera K , Kuhnt C , Ostalecki C , Zinser E , Mak T W , Steinkasserer A , Lechmann M 
Published: March 2015

SummaryIn the present study we examined the role of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Here, we report that TSLP knock-out (KO) mice display a delayed onset of disease and an attenuated form of EAE. This delayed onset was accompanied by a reduced number of encephalitogenic T helper type 1 (Th1) cells in the central nervous system (CNS) of TSLP KO mice. In addition, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from CNS of TSLP KO mice show a reduced activation status in comparison to wild-type mice. It is noteworthy that we could also show that lymph node cells from TSLP KO mice expanded less efficiently and that interleukin (IL)-6-, interferon (IFN)-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels were reduced. Furthermore, CD3+ T cells isolated in the preclinical phase from myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide 35–55 (MOG35–55)-immunized TSLP KO mice showed a reduced response after secondary exposure to MOG35–55, indicating that differentiation of naive T cells into MOG35–55-specific effector and memory T cells was impaired in KO mice. The addition of recombinant TSLP enhanced T cell proliferation during MOG35–55 restimulation, showing that T cells also respond directly to TSLP. In summary, these data demonstrate that expression of, and immune activation by, TSLP contributes significantly to the immunopathology of EAE.
Investigating the micromorphological differences of the implant–abutment junction and their clinical implications: a pilot study
Authors: Mattheos Nikos , Li Xiaona , Zampelis Antonios , Ma Li , Janda Martin 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this pilot study was to investigate the morphological micro‐features of three commercially available implant–abutment joints, using compatible and original prosthetic components. Furthermore, possible correlations between the micromorphology and potential functional complications were investigated with the use of finite element analysis.Material and methodsThree abutments (one original and two compatibles) were torqued on original Straumann RN implants, as according to each of the manufacturer's instructions. The implant–abutment units were sliced in the microtome and photographed under different magnifications (10×–500×) through a scanning electron microscope. Finite element analysis models were reconstructed for each of the implant–abutment units using the precise measurements from the SEM. Differences in stress, strain and deformation for the three different abutments were then calculated using ANSYS Workbench v13.ResultsMajor dimensional differences were identified between all studied contact areas of the three units. The tight contact in the implant shoulder was similar in all three units, but engagement of the internal connection and, in particular, the anti‐rotation elements was seriously compromised in the compatible abutments. One compatible abutment demonstrated compromised engagement of the abutment screw as well. Equivalent stress and strain in the FEA were much higher for the compatible abutments. An evaluation of the sequence of preload application revealed differences in the pattern of deformation between the original and compatible abutments, which can have serious clinical implications.ConclusionCompatible abutments can present critical morphological differences from the original ones. The differences in the cross‐sectional geometry result in large differences in the overall contact areas, both in terms of quality and quantity which could have serious implications for the long‐term stability of the prosthesis.
A Generic Ensemble Approach to Estimate Multidimensional Likelihood in Bayesian Classifier Learning
Authors: Aryal Sunil , Ting Kai Ming 
Published: March 2015

In Bayesian classifier learning, estimating the joint probability distribution p(x,y) or the likelihood p(x|y) directly from training data is considered to be difficult, especially in large multidimensional data sets. To circumvent this difficulty, existing Bayesian classifiers such as Naive Bayes, BayesNet, and AηDE have focused on estimating simplified surrogates of p(x,y) from different forms of one‐dimensional likelihoods.Contrary to the perceived difficulty in multidimensional likelihood estimation, we present a simple generic ensemble approach to estimate multidimensional likelihood directly from data. The idea is to aggregate pi(x|y) estimated from a random subsample of data
. This article presents two ways to estimate multidimensional likelihoods using the proposed generic approach and introduces two new Bayesian classifiers called ENNBayes and MassBayes that estimate pi(x|y) using a nearest‐neighbor density estimation and a probability estimation through feature space partitioning, respectively.Unlike the existing Bayesian classifiers, ENNBayes and MassBayes have constant training time and space complexities and they scale better than existing Bayesian classifiers in very large data sets. Our empirical evaluation shows that ENNBayes and MassBayes yield better predictive accuracy than the existing Bayesian classifiers in benchmark data sets.
Case Study: Community Engagement and Clinical Trial Success: Outreach to African American Women
Authors: Johnson Davalynn A. , Joosten Yvonne A. , Wilkins Consuelo H. , Shibao Cyndya A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis brief report examines how the use of community engagement principles and approaches enhanced clinical trial recruitment and retention. The Community‐Engaged Research Core (CERC), a CTSA‐supported resource designed to facilitate community involvement in clinical and translational research, was consulted to provide assistance with the implementation of the clinical trial, and specifically to enhance participation of the target population—African American women. CERC's key recommendations included: (1) convene a Community Engagement Studio, (2) redesign the recruitment advertisement, (3) simplify the language used to explain the scope of the study, and (4) provide transportation for participants. As a result of these interventions, a comprehensive strategy to recruit, enroll, and retain participants was formulated. After implementation of the plan by the study team, enrollment increased 78% and recruitment goals were met 16 months ahead of schedule. Participant retention and study drug adherence was 100%. We conclude that community engagement is essential to the development of an effective multifaceted plan to improve recruitment of underrepresented groups in clinical trials.
Current treatment options in patients with mastocytosis: status in 2015 and future perspectives
Authors: Arock Michel , Akin Cem , Hermine Olivier , Valent Peter 
Published: March 2015

AbstractMastocytosis is a term referring to a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by abnormal mast cell (MC) accumulation in the skin and/or internal organs. In children, the disease involves mostly the skin (cutaneous mastocytosis; CM), whereas in adults, the disease is usually systemic (systemic mastocytosis; SM). Advanced SM variants with end‐organ damage and reduced life expectancy have also been described, but are rare. Clinical signs and symptoms in SM result from excessive mediator release by MCs and, in aggressive forms, from organ failure related to MC infiltration. As a consequence, treatment of indolent SM aims primarily at the control of symptoms caused by MC mediator release. By contrast, in advanced SM, such as aggressive SM, MC leukemia, and MC sarcoma, intensive (chemo)therapy with or without allogeneic stem cell transplantation has to be considered. In addition, activating mutations in KIT (mostly KIT D816V in adults) are found in most patients with SM, so that targeted therapies aimed at blocking mutant KIT variants or/and downstream signaling pathways are currently being developed. Other targets, such as specific surface antigens expressed on neoplastic MCs, might be considered for the development of future therapies in advanced SM.
Improvements in Unmarried African American Parents' Rapport, Communication, and Problem‐Solving Following a Prenatal Coparenting Intervention
Authors: McHale James P. , Salman‐Engin Selin , Coovert Michael D. 
Published: March 2015

This report examines effects of a coparenting intervention designed for and delivered to expectant unmarried African American mothers and fathers on observed interaction dynamics known to predict relationship adjustment. Twenty families took part in the six‐session “Figuring It Out for the Child” (FIOC) dyadic intervention offered in a faith‐based human services agency during the third trimester of the mother's pregnancy, and completed a postpartum booster session 1 month after the baby's arrival. Parent referrals for the FIOC program were received from a county Health Department and from OBGYNs and Pregnancy Centers in the targeted community. All intervention sessions were delivered by a trained male–female paraprofessional team whose fidelity to the FIOC manualized curriculum was independently evaluated by a team of trained analysts. At both the point of intake (“PRE”) and again at an exit evaluation completed 3 months postpartum (“POST”), the mothers and fathers were videotaped as they completed two standardized “revealed differences” conflict discussions. Blinded videotapes of these sessions were evaluated using the System for Coding Interactions in Dyads. Analyses documented statistically significant improvements on 8 of 12 variables examined, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large. Overall, 14 families demonstrated beneficial outcomes, 3 did not improve, and 3 showed some signs of decline from the point of intake. For most interaction processes, PRE to POST improvements were unrelated to degree of adherence the paraprofessional interventionists showed to the curriculum. However, better interventionist competence was related to decreases in partners' Coerciveness and Negativity and Conflict, and to smaller increases in partner Withdrawal. Implications of the work for development and delivery of community‐based coparenting interventions for unmarried parents are discussed.
Effect of vertex singularities on stress intensities near plate free surfaces
Authors: He Z. , Kotousov A. , Berto F. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe stress intensity factor (SIF) distribution along the front of a through‐the‐thickness crack is significantly influenced by the presence of the 3D corner (vertex) singularities. All past 3D finite element studies indicated that for mode I, SIF rapidly decreases near the free surface and for mode II, it sharply increases. From the previous numerical simulations, it is unclear what the limiting values of SIF near the surface are and whether these values are infinite or bounded at the vertex point. In this paper, we conduct a careful finite element study and propose a theoretical equation, which describes the SIF behaviour near the vertex. We demonstrate that the asymptotic behaviour of SIF near the surface is governed by the difference in the strength of the corner and edge singularities. Furthermore, we validate our numerical approach and calculations by utilising the invariant properties of J‐integral.
Nitrous oxide fluxes in estuarine environments: response to global change
Authors: Murray Rachel H. , Erler Dirk V. , Eyre Bradley D. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractNitrous oxide is a powerful, long‐lived greenhouse gas, but we know little about the role of estuarine areas in the global N2O budget. This review summarizes 56 studies of N2O fluxes and associated biogeochemical controlling factors in estuarine open waters, salt marshes, mangroves, and intertidal sediments. The majority of in situ N2O production occurs as a result of sediment denitrification, although the water column contributes N2O through nitrification in suspended particles. The most important factors controlling N2O fluxes seem to be dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and oxygen availability, which in turn are affected by tidal cycles, groundwater inputs, and macrophyte density. The heterogeneity of coastal environments leads to a high variability in observations, but on average estuarine open water, intertidal and vegetated environments are sites of a small positive N2O flux to the atmosphere (range 0.15–0.91; median 0.31; Tg N2O‐N yr−1). Global changes in macrophyte distribution and anthropogenic nitrogen loading are expected to increase N2O emissions from estuaries. We estimate that a doubling of current median NO3− concentrations would increase the global estuary water–air N2O flux by about 0.45 Tg N2O‐N yr−1 or about 190%. A loss of 50% of mangrove habitat, being converted to unvegetated intertidal area, would result in a net decrease in N2O emissions of 0.002 Tg N2O‐N yr−1. In contrast, conversion of 50% of salt marsh to unvegetated area would result in a net increase of 0.001 Tg N2O‐N yr−1. Decreased oxygen concentrations may inhibit production of N2O by nitrification; however, sediment denitrification and the associated ratio of N2O:N2 is expected to increase.
Permeability evolution in sorbing media: analogies between organic‐rich shale and coal
Authors: Kumar H. , Elsworth D. , Mathews J.P. , Marone C. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractShale gas reservoirs like coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs are promising targets for geological sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2). However, the evolution of permeability in shale reservoirs on injection of CO2 is poorly understood unlike CBM reservoirs. In this study, we report measurements of permeability evolution in shales infiltrated separately by nonsorbing (He) and sorbing (CO2) gases under varying gas pressures and confining stresses. Experiments are completed on Pennsylvanian shales containing both natural and artificial fractures under nonpropped and propped conditions. We use the models for permeability evolution in coal (Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, Under Revision) to codify the permeability evolution observed in the shale samples. It is observed that for a naturally fractured shale, the He permeability increases by approximately 15% as effective stress is reduced by increasing the gas pressure from 1 MPa to 6 MPa at constant confining stress of 10 MPa. Conversely, the CO2 permeability reduces by a factor of two under similar conditions. A second core is split with a fine saw to create a smooth artificial fracture and the permeabilities are measured for both nonpropped and propped fractures. The He permeability of a propped artificial fracture is approximately 2‐ to 3fold that of the nonpropped fracture. The He permeability increases with gas pressure under constant confining stress for both nonpropped and propped cases. However, the CO2 permeability of the propped fracture decreases by between one‐half to one‐third as the gas pressure increases from 1 to 4 MPa at constant confining stress. Interestingly, the CO2 permeability of nonpropped fracture increases with gas pressure at constant confining stress. The permeability evolution of nonpropped and propped artificial fractures in shale is found to be similar to those observed in coals but the extent of permeability reduction by swelling is much lower in shale due to its lower organic content. Optical profilometry is used to quantify the surface roughness. The changes in surface roughness indicate significant influence of proppant indentation on fracture surface in the shale sample. The trends of permeability evolution on injection of CO2 in coals and shales are found analogous; therefore, the permeability evolution models previously developed for coals are adopted to explain the permeability evolution in shales.
Prevalence of and factors associated with prolonged length of stay in older hospitalized medical patients
Authors: Bo Mario , Fonte Gianfranco , Pivaro Federica , Bonetto Martina , Comi Chiara , Giorgis Veronica , Marchese Lorenzo , Isaia Gianluca , Maggiani Guido , Furno Elisabetta , Falcone Yolanda , Isaia Giovanni Carlo 
Published: March 2015

AimTo characterize elderly medical patients and identify factors associated with prolonged length of stay.MethodsThe present prospective observational study evaluated consecutive patients aged ≥65 years admitted in acute geriatric and medical wards. A comprehensive assessment including demographic, clinical, functional and cognitive variables was carried out. Delayed discharge was defined when patients were discharged later than the date they were deemed medically ready for discharge by physicians. The analysis was initially carried out on the total sample and subsequently according to whether hospital admission had been from home, or from intermediate or long‐term facilities.ResultsAmong 1568 patients (age 81.3 ± 7.3 years, 712 men), we observed a high prevalence of functional dependence, cognitive impairment, chronic immobilization and frailty (50%, 25%, 20% and 40%, respectively). Overall, delayed discharge occurred in 442 cases – resulting in 2637 days of prolonged hospital stay – and was independently associated with impairment in activities of daily living, frailty, high comorbidity and inappropriate admission. Among patients admitted from home (roughly 90% of the sample), delayed discharge occurred in 392 patients, and was independently associated with cognitive impairment, functional dependence, low severity of comorbidity and inappropriate admission (OR 3.39). Among patients admitted from intermediate or long‐term facilities, lower cognitive impairment and greater severity of functional dependence were independently associated with prolonged stay.ConclusionsPoor health conditions and high prevalence of geriatric syndromes are extremely common among older medical inpatients. Delayed discharge was mainly observed in patients admitted from home, and associated with cognitive impairment (OR 1.12) and functional dependence (OR 1.49). Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 16: 314–321.
Binding of the monoclonal antibody RP215 to immunoglobulin G in metastatic lung adenocarcinomas is correlated with poor prognosis
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Dan , Wang Chong , Liao Qinyuan , Huang Jing , Jiang Dongyang , Shao Wenwei , Yin Cheng Cameron , Zhang Youhui , Lee Gregory , Qiu Xiaoyan 
Published: March 2015

AimsCancer cell‐derived immunoglobulin (Ig)G (cancer‐IgG) has been found to be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of many cancers, including lung cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between cancer‐IgG expression in lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) and clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcome.Methods and resultsImmunohistochemical analysis was performed using an RP215 monoclonal antibody to determine cancer‐IgG expression in 140 lung ADC patients. Cell migration and invasion were analysed in A549 cell line after short interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of IgG and cell sorting by flow cytometry. Our results show that RP215 immunostaining score is correlated significantly with local invasion (P < 0.05) and tumour differentiation (P < 0.05) in ADC. Moreover, RP215 staining was significantly higher in metastatic tumours than in primary tumours (P < 0.0001). The knockdown of IgG resulted in a reduction of cell migration and invasion. In contrast, RP215‐positive cells displayed greater migration and invasion ability than RP215‐negative cells. Additionally, a higher RP215 immunostaining score was associated significantly with poor prognosis.ConclusionsRP215 staining is correlated strongly with differentiation, local invasion, metastasis and clinical outcome of patients with lung ADC. Our results suggest that RP215 can serve as a biomarker for prognosis of lung ADC.
Protein hydrolysate from tilapia frame: antioxidant and angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor properties
Authors: Chuesiang Piyanan , Sanguandeekul Romanee 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThe effect of varying the aminopeptidase concentration and hydrolysis time in the production of a protein hydrolysate from tilapia frame (TFPH) was evaluated in terms of the obtained antioxidant and angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor activities. Minced tilapia frame was subjected to hydrolysis using three concentrations Flavourzyme® 1000 L [Brenntag Ingredients (Thailand) Company Limited (Public), Bangkok, Thailand] [0%, 1% and 2% (w/w)] and two hydrolysis times (0 and 1 h). The enzyme concentration and hydrolysis time both significantly affected the antioxidant and ACE inhibitor properties. The use of 2% (w/w) Flavourzyme® 1000 L for 1 h yielded the highest levels of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazil free radical scavenging (90.4%), metal chelating (91.8%), thiobarbituric acid activity ratio (81.9%), and ACE inhibition (83.8%). In addition, this TFPH contained a higher net amount of amino acids and a larger peptide molecular weight distribution compared to the unhydrolysed tilapia frame supernatant. Thus, TFPH may be a suitable supplement to improve the functionality of food products.
Effect of the addition of whole‐grain wheat flour and of extrusion process parameters on dietary fibre content, starch transformation and mechanical properties of a ready‐to‐eat breakfast cereal
Authors: Oliveira Ludmilla C. , Rosell Cristina M. , Steel Caroline J. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThis study evaluates the effect of the incorporation of whole‐grain wheat flour (WGWF) and of extrusion process parameters on the nutritional and technological quality of breakfast cereals. The corn flour‐based breakfast cereals were elaborated in a twin‐screw extruder following a rotatable central composite design with varied WGWF (0–100%), feed moisture (14–24%) and zones 3 and 4 barrel temperature (76–143 °C). Dietary fibre and resistant starch were significantly increased with WGWF addition. Total and digestible starch showed a decrease when WGWF increased. The RVA parameters were significantly affected by all the extrusion conditions and WGWF content. The cell structure of the extrudates was dependent of WGWF and moisture.
Properties and applications of β‐glycosidase from Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron that specifically hydrolyses isoflavone glycosides
Authors: Byun Da‐Hye , Choi Hye‐Jeong , Lee Hye‐Won , Jeon Hye‐Yeon , Choung Woo‐Jae , Shim Jae‐Hoon 
Published: March 2015

SummaryTo modify the glycan part of glycosides, the gene encoding β‐glycosidase was cloned from Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron VPI‐5482. The cloned gene, bt_1780, was expressed in Escherichia coli MC1061 and the expressed enzyme was purified using Ni‐NTA affinity chromatography. The purified enzyme, BTBG, showed optimal activity at 50 °C and pH 5.5. Interestingly, this enzyme did not have any hydrolysing activity on ordinary β‐linkage–containing substrates such as xylobiose, lactose and cello‐oligosaccharide, but specifically hydrolysed isoflavone glycosides such as daidzin, genistin and glycitin. Compared to a commercial beta glucosidase, BTBG selectively hydrolysed isoflavone glycosides in soybean extract mixture solution. These results suggest that BTBG may be a specialized enzyme for the hydrolysis of glycosides and that the substrate specificity of BTBG is applicable for the bioconversion of isoflavone glycosides in the food industry.