bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Haemostatic and inflammatory alterations in familial hypercholesterolaemia, and the impact of angiotensin II infusion
Authors: Ekholm Mikael , Kahan Thomas , Jörneskog Gun , Brinck Jonas , Wallén N Håkan 
Published: April 2015

Introduction: We examined potential prothrombotic and proinflammatory effects of angiotensin II in 16 otherwise healthy familial hypercholesterolaemia subjects and 16 matched controls. Methods: Markers of fibrinolysis, thrombin generation and inflammation were assessed in plasma before, during and 1h after a 3h intravenous infusion of angiotensin II. In addition, placebo experiments with saline infusion were carried out. Results: Baseline plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 activity and plasmin–antiplasmin-complex concentrations were similar in FH and controls, as were interleukin-6, leukocyte counts and C-reactive protein. Fibrinogen levels were higher in FH, and we observed a greater thrombin generating potential in FH (calibrated automated thrombogram), but no signs of elevated thrombin generation in vivo (prothrombin fragment 1+2). During angiotensin infusion plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 activity decreased and plasmin–antiplasmin-complex concentrations increased similarly in FH and controls. Total and maximal amount of thrombin generated was unchanged, as were prothrombin-fragment-1+2 levels. Interleukin-6 and leukocyte counts increased similarly in both groups during angiotensin infusion, while fibrinogen tended to increase in FH and increased in controls. During saline infusion plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 activity and prothrombin fragment 1+2 concentrations fell, whereas other markers were unchanged. Conclusions: FH exhibits an increased thrombin generation potential, an intact fibrinolysis, and has no convincing signs of inflammation. Angiotensin has proinflammatory effects, and might have minor profibrinolytic and procoagulatory effects.
Graphene-based optical modulators
Authors: Luo Siyuan , Wang Yanan , Tong Xin , Wang Zhiming 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Optical modulators (OMs) are a key device in modern optical systems. Due to its unique optical properties, graphene has been recently utilized in the fabrication of optical modulators, which promise high performance such as broadband response, high modulation speed, and high modulation depth. In this paper, the latest experimental and theoretical demonstrations of graphene optical modulators (GOMs) with different structures and functions are reviewed. Particularly, the principles of electro-optical and all-optical modulators are illustrated. Additionally, the limitation of GOMs and possible methods to improve performance and practicability are discussed. At last, graphene terahertz modulators (GTMs) are introduced.
Early deep sedation is associated with decreased in-hospital and two-year follow-up survival
Authors: Balzer Felix , Weiß Björn , Kumpf Oliver , Treskatsch Sascha , Spies Claudia , Wernecke Klaus-Dieter , Krannich Alexander , Kastrup Marc 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIntroductionThere is increasing evidence that deep sedation is detrimental to critically ill patients. The aim of this study was to examine effects of deep sedation during the early period after ICU admission on short- and long-term survival.MethodsIn this observational, matched-pair analysis, patients receiving mechanical ventilation that were admitted to ICUs of a tertiary university hospital in six consecutive years were grouped as either lightly or deeply sedated within the first 48 hours after ICU admission. The Richmond Agitation-Sedation Score (RASS) was used to assess sedation depth (light sedation: −2 to 0; deep: −3 or below). Multivariate Cox regression was conducted to investigate the impact of early deep sedation within the first 48 hours of admission on in-hospital and two-year follow-up survival.ResultsIn total, 1,884 patients met inclusion criteria out of which 27.2% (n = 513) were deeply sedated. Deeply sedated patients had longer ventilation times, increased length of stay and higher rates of mortality. Early deep sedation was associated with a hazard ratio of 1.661 (95% CI: 1.074 to 2.567;P= 0.022) for in-hospital survival and 1.866 (95% CI: 1.351 to 2.576;P<0.001) for two-year follow-up survival.ConclusionsEarly deep sedation during the first 48 hours of intensive care treatment was associated with decreased in-hospital and two-year follow-up survival. Since early deep sedation is a modifiable risk factor, this data shows an urgent need for prospective clinical trials focusing on light sedation in the early phase of ICU treatment.
Simultaneous power control and power management algorithm with sector-shaped topology for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Nickray Mohsen , Afzali-Kusha Ali , Jäntti Riku 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
In this paper, we propose a topology control technique to reduce the energy consumption of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The technique makes use of both power control and power management methods. The algorithm uses the power management technique to put as many idle nodes as possible into the sleep mode while invoking the power control method to adjust the transmission range of the active nodes. On the contrary to earlier works in which both of these methods were used separately, in this algorithm, they are utilized simultaneously to decide about the sleep nodes and the ranges of active nodes. It is an approximation algorithm which is called simultaneous power control and power management algorithm (SPCPM). The performance bound of this centralized algorithm is determined analytically. Then, to make the proposed method practical for WSNs, a distributed algorithm based on SPCPM is introduced. To assess the efficiency of the proposed algorithm, we compare its average energy consumption with those of three existing topology control algorithms for a sector-based WSN. The simulation results which were obtained for different numbers of transmitting sensor nodes reveal less average energy consumptions for SPCPM compared to other algorithms.
Early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in Japanese kidney transplant recipients: a single center experience
Authors: Kato Taigo , Kakuta Yoichi , Yamanaka Kazuaki , Okumi Masayoshi , Abe Toyofumi , Imamura Ryoichi , Ichimaru Naotsugu , Takahara Shiro , Nonomura Norio 
Published: April 2015

Abstract

Background
The incidence of malignancies in kidney transplant recipients is increasing. Breast cancer is a common malignancy after kidney transplantation and can be more aggressive in kidney transplant recipients than in the general population. In this study, we evaluated the incidence and prognosis of breast cancer in kidney transplant recipients.

Findings
Between 1993 and 2013, 750 kidney transplant patients were followed-up at our center. Since 1999, annual physical examination, mammography, and breast ultrasonography have been performed for such patients. Diagnostic studies, including core needle or mammotome biopsy, were performed for suspected malignancies. Patients with malignant neoplasm were administered the appropriate treatment and followed-up to assess tumor response and symptoms.
Nine patients were diagnosed with breast cancer during the follow-up period. The mean age at the initial detection of the breast cancer was 47.7 ± 8.4 years. The mean interval from transplantation to diagnosis was 148.7 ± 37.1 months. Of the 9 patients, 8 were detected through the screening test; 7 were treated with breast conservative surgery and 1 was treated with modified radical mastectomy. The cancer stages were 0 (n = 2), I (n = 6), and II (n = 1). The incidence of breast cancer tended to be unchanged with time between transplantation and diagnosis, inconsistent with the increase in the duration of immunosuppression.

Conclusion
Annual screening tests are crucial in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. Early treatment of breast cancer can result in an excellent prognosis in kidney transplant recipients.
Fatigue crack growth in a nickel-based superalloy at elevated temperature - experimental studies, viscoplasticity modelling and XFEM predictions
Authors: Farukh Farukh , Zhao Liguo , Jiang Rong , Reed Philippa , Proprentner Daniela , Shollock Barbara 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Background
Nickel-based superalloys are typically used as blades and discs in the hot section of gas turbine engines, which are subjected to cyclic loading at high temperature during service. Understanding fatigue crack deformation and growth in these alloys at high temperature is crucial for ensuring structural integrity of gas turbines.

Methods
Experimental studies of crack growth were carried out for a three-point bending specimen subjected to fatigue at 725°C. In order to remove the influence of oxidation which can be considerable at elevated temperature, crack growth was particularly tested in a vacuum environment with a focus on dwell effects. For simulation, the material behaviour was described by a cyclic viscoplastic model with nonlinear kinematic and isotropic hardening rules, calibrated against test data. In combination with the extended finite element method (XFEM), the viscoplasticity model was further applied to predict crack growth under dwell fatigue. The crack was assumed to grow when the accumulated plastic strain ahead of the crack tip reached a critical value which was back calculated from crack growth test data in vacuum.

Results
Computational analyses of a stationary crack showed the progressive accumulation of strain near the crack tip under fatigue, which justified the strain accumulation criterion used in XFEM prediction of fatigue crack growth. During simulation, the crack length was recorded against the number of loading cycles, and the results were in good agreement with the experimental data. It was also shown, both experimentally and numerically, that an increase of dwell period leads to an increase of crack growth rate due to the increased creep deformation near the crack tip, but this effect is marginal when compared to the dwell effects under fatigue-oxidation conditions.

Conclusion
The strain accumulation criterion was successful in predicting both the path and the rate of crack growth under dwell fatigue. This work proved the capability of XFEM, in conjunction with advanced cyclic viscoplasticity model, for predicting crack growth in nickel alloys at elevated temperature, which has significant implication to gas turbine industries in terms of “damage tolerance” assessment of critical turbine discs and blades.
Psychosocial morbidity associated with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder in psychiatric out-patients: Comparative study
Authors: Zimmerman Mark , Ellison William , Morgan Theresa A. , Young Diane , Chelminski Iwona , Dalrymple Kristy 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundThe morbidity associated with bipolar disorder is, in part, responsible for repeated calls for improved detection and recognition. No such commentary exists for the improved detection of borderline personality disorder. Clinical experience suggests that it is as disabling as bipolar disorder, but no study has directly compared the two disorders.AimsTo compare the levels of psychosocial morbidity in patients with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder.MethodPatients were assessed with semi-structured interviews. We compared 307 patients with DSM-IV borderline personality disorder but without bipolar disorder and 236 patients with bipolar disorder but without borderline personality disorder.ResultsThe patients with borderline personality disorder less frequently were college graduates, were diagnosed with more comorbid disorders, more frequently had a history of substance use disorder, reported more suicidal ideation at the time of the evaluation, more frequently had attempted suicide, reported poorer social functioning and were rated lower on the Global Assessment of Functioning. There was no difference between the two patient groups in history of admission to psychiatric hospital or time missed from work during the past 5 years.ConclusionsThe level of psychosocial morbidity associated with borderline personality disorder was as great as (or greater than) that experienced by patients with bipolar disorder. From a public health perspective, efforts to improve the detection and treatment of borderline personality disorder might be as important as efforts to improve the recognition and treatment of bipolar disorder.
Induction of stable ER–plasma-membrane junctions by Kv2.1 potassium channels
Authors: Fox Philip D. , Haberkorn Christopher J. , Akin Elizabeth J. , Seel Peter J. , Krapf Diego , Tamkun Michael M. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT
Junctions between cortical endoplasmic reticulum (cER) and the plasma membrane are a subtle but ubiquitous feature in mammalian cells; however, very little is known about the functions and molecular interactions that are associated with neuronal ER–plasma-membrane junctions. Here, we report that Kv2.1 (also known as KCNB1), the primary delayed-rectifier K+ channel in the mammalian brain, induces the formation of ER–plasma-membrane junctions. Kv2.1 localizes to dense, cell-surface clusters that contain non-conducting channels, indicating that they have a function that is unrelated to membrane-potential regulation. Accordingly, Kv2.1 clusters function as membrane-trafficking hubs, providing platforms for delivery and retrieval of multiple membrane proteins. Using both total internal reflection fluorescence and electron microscopy we demonstrate that the clustered Kv2.1 plays a direct structural role in the induction of stable ER–plasma-membrane junctions in both transfected HEK 293 cells and cultured hippocampal neurons. Glutamate exposure results in a loss of Kv2.1 clusters in neurons and subsequent retraction of the cER from the plasma membrane. We propose Kv2.1-induced ER–plasma-membrane junctions represent a new macromolecular plasma-membrane complex that is sensitive to excitotoxic insult and functions as a scaffolding site for both membrane trafficking and Ca2+ signaling.
Probing microtubule polymerisation state at single kinetochores during metaphase chromosome motion
Authors: Armond Jonathan W. , Vladimirou Elina , Erent Muriel , McAinsh Andrew D. , Burroughs Nigel J. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT
Kinetochores regulate the dynamics of attached microtubule bundles (kinetochore-fibres, K-fibres) to generate the forces necessary for chromosome movements in mitosis. Current models suggest that poleward-moving kinetochores are attached to depolymerising K-fibres and anti-poleward-moving kinetochores to polymerising K-fibres. How the dynamics of individual microtubules within the K-fibre relate to poleward and anti-poleward movements is poorly understood. To investigate this, we developed a live-cell imaging assay combined with computational image analysis that allows eGFP-tagged EB3 (also known as MAPRE3) to be quantified at thousands of individual metaphase kinetochores as they undergo poleward and anti-poleward motion. Surprisingly, we found that K-fibres are incoherent, containing both polymerising and depolymerising microtubules – with a small polymerisation bias for anti-poleward-moving kinetochores. K-fibres also display bursts of EB3 intensity, predominantly on anti-poleward-moving kinetochores, equivalent to more coherent polymerisation, and this was associated with more regular oscillations. The frequency of bursts and the polymerisation bias decreased upon loss of kinesin-13, whereas loss of kinesin-8 elevated polymerisation bias. Thus, kinetochores actively set the balance of microtubule polymerisation dynamics in the K-fibre while remaining largely robust to fluctuations in microtubule polymerisation.
Enhanced Chromogenic Sensitivity of Horseradish Peroxidase-Catalyzed Oxidative Reactions in the Presence of Betaine-Type Metabolite Analogs
Authors: Takagi Kotomi , Kashima Yasuhiro , Fujii Satoshi , Koumoto Kazuya 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Horseradish peroxidase (HRP), a well-known oxidase, is frequently used in the diagnostic field as a labeling enzyme, where it amplifies the substrate binding signal of antibodies. Though practical for detecting moderate amounts of substrate, there is strong demand for further development of its sensitivity to detect minuscule quantities of biomarkers. Recently, we found that betaine-type cellular metabolite analogs facilitate enzymatic hydrolysis just by dissolving them into the reaction buffer. In the present study, using the analog (2-(N,N,N-tri-n-butylammonium) acetate) and various colorimetric substrates of HRP, we investigated the activation behavior of HRP. As a result, the analog structure- and concentration-dependently facilitated the various HRP-catalyzed oxidative reactions. Interestingly, the analog facilitated not only the reaction rate but also the chromogenic sensitivity. Kinetic and structural analyses revealed that the increased chromogenic sensitivity is related to the enhancement of the conformational flexibility in the substrate binding site in HRP by addition of the analog, which diminishes the binding affinity between HRP and large substrates. The finding serves to create practical applications of the analogs for increased detection sensitivity of HRP-related clinical agents.
Internal Audit of Fixed Assets of an Enterprise
Authors: Бородина  , Borodina Valyentina 
Published: April 2015

The article reviews the process of internal audit based on legal and statutory documents of separate lines or fixed assets record: fixed assets assessment;
depreciation; fixed assets recovery; rent; retirement; choosing and establishing general scheme of fixed assets record; document flow organization. The article also
provides recommendations on forming the Program of internal audit conduct.
Improvement of the chilling tolerance of ‘Monika’ cucumber seedlings by short-term temperature and seed conditioning with plant growth regulators
Authors: Górnik Krzysztof 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study was to improve the chilling tolerance of cucumber seedlings. The conditioned seeds in solutions of salicylic or jasmonic acid in concentrations of 10-2, 10-3 or 10-4 M or brassinolide in concentrations of 10-6, 10-8 or 10-10 M were subjected to temperature shock of 0, 2.5, 5, 35, 40 or 45°C for 1, 2 or 4 hours. Seedlings with 3 mm roots were chilled at 0°C for three days. The chilling susceptibility was evaluated by measurements of roots lengths, electrolyte leakage and total dehydrogenase activity.
The obtained results indicated that cucumber tolerance to chilling conditions depended on the plant growth regulators used during seed imbibition and its concentration as well as the temperature initiating thermal shock and its duration. The highest tolerance to chilling, expressed by the subsequent growth of roots, was observed after seed conditioning in salicylic acid solutions in a concentration of 10-4 M for 16 h at 25°C, then exposed for 4 h to a shock temperature of 5°C. The length of seedling roots after such treatment was over 12 times longer than the control (imbibed in distilled water and not subjected to short-term temperature impact). An increased chilling tolerance of cucumber seedlings may result from enhanced membrane integrity and total dehydrogenase activity. Further research is needed to explain the mechanism of the positive effects of salicylic acid, jasmonic acid or brassinolide application to reduce the injurious effects of chilling on cucumber seedlings.
Elucidation of RNA binding regions of gonadotropin-regulated testicular RNA helicase (GRTH/DDX25) to transcripts of a chromatin remodeling protein essential for spermatogenesis
Authors: Yang Ruifeng , Tsai-Morris Chon-Hwa , Kang Jung Hoon , Dufau Maria L. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract

Background: Gonadotropin-regulated testicular RNA helicase (GRTH) is a testis-specific member of the DEAD-box family of RNA helicases present in Leydig and germ cells. It is a transport protein of mRNAs from nucleus to cytoplasmic sites and is essential for posttranscriptional regulation and completion of spermatogenesis. Transition protein 2 (Tp2), which associates with GRTH and is required for spermatid elongation, failed to express in GRTH null mice with impaired mRNA nuclear export. The present study determines GRTH binding motifs/regions that associate with Tp2 mRNA transcripts.

Materials and methods: RNA-protein interaction was analyzed using biotin-labeled electrophoretic mobility gel shift assays (EMSA). 3′-biotin-labeled RNA (Tp2) was incubated with mGRTH protein (full length/sequential deletion of specific and conserved RNA helicase motifs of GRTH) expressed from in vitro TNT coupled reticulocyte lysate system. Binding specificity was further elucidated by mutagenesis and antibody supershift analysis.

Results: RNA-EMSA revealed that the 3′ UTR of Tp2 RNA (127 nt from TGA) was retarded in presence of full length GRTH. Nucleotide sequences downstream of TGA of the Tp2 transcript (1–47 and 78–127 nt) are important for binding to GRTH. Sequential deletions/point mutations in GRTH revealed region(s) of conserved binding motifs of RNA helicases (Ia and V) essential for GRTH binding to Tp2 mRNA.

Conclusions: Our studies provide insights into the association of Tp2 expression via binding to the conserved RNA binding motifs of GRTH protein and the basis for understanding GRTH in the regulation of the genes essential for germ cell elongation and completion of spermatogenesis.
The glucocorticoid receptor in inflammatory processes: transrepression is not enough
Authors: Hübner Sabine , Dejager Lien , Libert Claude , Tuckermann Jan P. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the most commonly used anti-inflammatory agents to treat inflammatory and immune diseases. However, steroid therapies are accompanied by severe side-effects during long-term treatment. The dogma that transrepression of genes, by tethering of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) to DNA-bound pro-inflammatory transcription factors, is the main anti-inflammatory mechanism, is now challenged. Recent discoveries using conditional GR mutant mice and genomic approaches reveal that transactivation of anti-inflammatory acting genes is essential to suppress many inflammatory disease models. This novel view radically changes the concept to design selective acting GR ligands with a reduced side-effect profile.
Harmonic Mitigation in a Coreless Double-Wound Flywheel Machine: Experimental Verification
Authors: de Oliveira Janaína Goncalves , de Santiago Juan , de Almeida Pedro Machado 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
This paper aims at analyzing harmonics and interharmonics present in a flywheel-based driveline developed at Uppsala University. The flywheel machine is a permanent magnet synchronous machine with two sets of windings in the stator, with a Wye–Wye connection as standard. Different sources of harmonic distortion have been evaluated. Flywheel machine simulations are performed in finite element method (FEM) (Comsol) and experimental verifications are presented. Several methods for harmonic mitigation have been evaluated. The driveline suffers almost exclusively from second-order harmonics but the THD (total harmonic distortion) seldom exceeds 5%. Very little interharmonics are present. A Delta–Wye connection of the flywheel eliminates most of the harmonics but at the expense of a high-phase current through the Delta connection. Grounding the neutral conductor in Wye connections increases the distortion.