bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ENT manifestations of alkaptonuria: report on a case series
Authors: Steven R A , Kinshuck A J , McCormick M S , Ranganath L R 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground:Alkaptonuria is an inborn error of metabolism. It is a multisystem disease with characteristic ENT manifestations. This paper reports, for the first time, the ENT findings in a cohort of alkaptonuria patients.Method:Patients attending the National Centre for Alkaptonuria (Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust) underwent a full ENT assessment.Results:Eighteen of the 20 patients (90 per cent) had an ENT sign or symptom. These included discolouration of the pinna, cerumen, nasal septum and pharynx.Conclusion:Discolouration of cerumen may occur before 30 years of age and may therefore be an important early clinical sign. Further audiological assessment of patients is needed to clarify if an association exists between alkaptonuria and hearing loss. Alkaptonuria is a condition that could present to the otolaryngologist. Successful early diagnosis and referral to a specialist centre is essential so that patients can be offered disease-modifying therapy.
Endoscopic-guided injection of botulinum toxin into the cricopharyngeus muscle: our experience
Authors: Sharma S D , Kumar G , Eweiss A , Chatrath P , Kaddour H 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjective:To assess the efficacy of endoscopic-guided botulinum toxin injection into the cricopharyngeus muscle and evaluate the duration of its effects.Methods:A 3-year prospective study of 12 patients undergoing injection of botulinum toxin was conducted, with a telephone survey to assess dysphagia pre-operatively, and at 1, 3 and 6 months post-treatment, using the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory.Results:Median age was 66.2 years. Causes of cricopharyngeal dysphagia included idiopathic cricopharyngeal hypertrophy (67 per cent), previous cerebrovascular accident (17 per cent), cranial nerve palsy (8 per cent) and previous chemoradiotherapy to the neck (8 per cent). There were no complications. Two patients had repeat injections after six months. There was significant improvement in MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory scores at one and three months versus pre-operative scores (73.1 ± 14.9 vs 46.9 ± 7.6, p = 0.0001, and 65.1 ± 11.5 vs 46.9 ± 7.6, p = 0.0001), but not at six months (51.0 ± 11.0 vs 46.9 ± 7.6, p = 0.14).Conclusion:Endoscopic-guided injection of botulinum toxin into the cricopharyngeus muscle is a safe and effective method for treating cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction, lasting up to six months.
Food consumption patterns of the Vulnerable Socotra cormorant Phalacrocorax nigrogularis indicate minimal overlap with fisheries in the eastern Arabian Gulf
Authors: Muzaffar Sabir Bin , Gubiani Robert , Benjamin Sonya , AlShihi Rashid , Al-Romithi Ahmad , Al Kaabi Faisal Humaid 
Published: October 2015

AbstractHistorically cormorants have come into direct conflict with fisheries because of their feeding habits. The Socotra cormorant Phalacrocorax nigrogularis is a regionally endemic seabird restricted to the Arabian Gulf and coastal Oman, and is categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The species is perceived as being detrimental to local fisheries and is therefore persecuted. We studied the diet and estimated the number of Socotra cormorants breeding on Siniya Island, Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates, to determine their impact on local fisheries. Regurgitated fish loads were collected during the breeding seasons of 2011–2012 and 2012–2013, and the biomass of fish consumed by the Socotra cormorant population was estimated. The diet comprised seven species of fish, with sailfin flying fish Parexocoetus mento and blue-stripe sardine Herklotsichthys quadrimaculatus dominating in 2011–2012 and anchovies (Encrasicholina spp.) dominating in 2012–2013. Biomass of fish loads was higher in 2011–2012 compared to 2012–2013, although mean biomass of fish loads did not differ. Dominant fish species in the cormorant's diet were either used as baitfish or were non-target species in the fisheries. The low overlap between the diet of the Socotra cormorant and the fish landed by the fisheries suggests that the cormorant's impact on fisheries is minimal. Conservation strategies to protect the birds and their feeding areas could safeguard populations of this species from further declines.
Kant on Religious Moral Education
Authors: vanden Auweele Dennis 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWhile scholars are slowly coming to realize that Kant’s moral philosophy has a distinctive theory of moral education, the import of religion in such education is generally neglected or even denied. This essay argues that Kant’s reflections on religion in parts II and III ofReligion within the Boundaries of Mere Reasoninterpret religion specifically as one aspect of moral education, namely moral ascetics. After first clearly distinguishing between a cognitive and a conative aspect of moral education, I show how certain historical religious practices serve to provide the conative aspect of moral education. Kant defines this aspect of moral education as practices that render the human agent ‘valiantandcheerfulin fulfilling his duties’ (MS, 6: 484). By this it is meant that certain practices can inspire moral interests either by justifying rational hope in living up to a certain standard of moral perfection (Christology) or by endeavouring to unite human beings in a universal, invisible ethical community that inspires cooperation rather than adversity (ecclesiology).
Anoctamin 6 is localized in the primary cilium of renal tubular cells and is involved in apoptosis-dependent cyst lumen formation
Authors: Forschbach V , Goppelt-Struebe M , Kunzelmann K , Schreiber R , Piedagnel R , Kraus A , Eckardt K-U , Buchholz B 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPrimary cilia are antenna-like structures projected from the apical surface of various mammalian cells including renal tubular cells. Functional or structural defects of the cilium lead to systemic disorders comprising polycystic kidneys as a key feature. Here we show that anoctamin 6 (ANO6), a member of the anoctamin chloride channel family, is localized in the primary cilium of renal epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo. ANO6 was not essential for cilia formation and had no effect on in vitro cyst expansion. However, knockdown of ANO6 impaired cyst lumen formation of MDCK cells in three-dimensional culture. In the absence of ANO6, apoptosis was reduced and epithelial cells were incompletely removed from the center of cell aggregates, which form in the early phase of cystogenesis. In line with these data, we show that ANO6 is highly expressed in apoptotic cyst epithelial cells of human polycystic kidneys. These data identify ANO6 as a cilium-associated protein and suggest its functional relevance in cyst formation.
Planar carbon nanotube–graphene hybrid films for high-performance broadband photodetectors
Authors: Liu Yuanda , Wang Fengqiu , Wang Xiaomu , Wang Xizhang , Flahaut Emmanuel , Liu Xiaolong , Li Yao , Wang Xinran , Xu Yongbing , Shi Yi , Zhang Rong 
Published: October 2015

AbstractGraphene has emerged as a promising material for photonic applications fuelled by its superior electronic and optical properties. However, the photoresponsivity is limited by the low absorption cross-section and ultrafast recombination rates of photoexcited carriers. Here we demonstrate a photoconductive gain of ∼105 electrons per photon in a carbon nanotube–graphene hybrid due to efficient photocarriers generation and transport within the nanostructure. A broadband photodetector (covering 400–1,550 nm) based on such hybrid films is fabricated with a high photoresponsivity of >100 A W−1 and a fast response time of ∼100 μs. The combination of ultra-broad bandwidth, high responsivities and fast operating speeds affords new opportunities for facile and scalable fabrication of all-carbon optoelectronic devices.
Cutoff lensing: predicting catalytic sites in enzymes
Authors: Aubailly Simon , Piazza Francesco 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPredicting function-related amino acids in proteins with unknown function or unknown allosteric binding sites in drug-targeted proteins is a task of paramount importance in molecular biomedicine. In this paper we introduce a simple, light and computationally inexpensive structure-based method to identify catalytic sites in enzymes. Our method, termed cutoff lensing, is a general procedure consisting in letting the cutoff used to build an elastic network model increase to large values. A validation of our method against a large database of annotated enzymes shows that optimal values of the cutoff exist such that three different structure-based indicators allow one to recover a maximum of the known catalytic sites. Interestingly, we find that the larger the structures the greater the predictive power afforded by our method. Possible ways to combine the three indicators into a single figure of merit and into a specific sequential analysis are suggested and discussed with reference to the classic case of HIV-protease. Our method could be used as a complement to other sequence- and/or structure-based methods to narrow the results of large-scale screenings.
The 82-plex plasma protein signature that predicts increasing inflammation
Authors: Tepel Martin , Beck Hans C. , Tan Qihua , Borst Christoffer , Rasmussen Lars M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe objective of the study was to define the specific plasma protein signature that predicts the increase of the inflammation marker C-reactive protein from index day to next-day using proteome analysis and novel bioinformatics tools. We performed a prospective study of 91 incident kidney transplant recipients and quantified 359 plasma proteins simultaneously using nano-Liquid-Chromatography-Tandem Mass-Spectrometry in individual samples and plasma C-reactive protein on the index day and the next day. Next-day C-reactive protein increased in 59 patients whereas it decreased in 32 patients. The prediction model selected and validated 82 plasma proteins which determined increased next-day C-reactive protein (area under receiver-operator-characteristics curve, 0.772; 95% confidence interval, 0.669 to 0.876; P < 0.0001). Multivariable logistic regression showed that 82-plex protein signature (P < 0.001) was associated with observed increased next-day C-reactive protein. The 82-plex protein signature outperformed routine clinical procedures. The category-free net reclassification index improved with 82-plex plasma protein signature (total net reclassification index, 88.3%). Using the 82-plex plasma protein signature increased net reclassification index with a clinical meaningful 10% increase of risk mainly by the improvement of reclassification of subjects in the event group. An 82-plex plasma protein signature predicts an increase of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein.
Stacked thin layers of metaphase chromatin explain the geometry of chromosome rearrangements and banding
Authors: Daban Joan-Ramon 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe three-dimensional organization of tightly condensed chromatin within metaphase chromosomes has been one of the most challenging problems in structural biology since the discovery of the nucleosome. This study shows that chromosome images obtained from typical banded karyotypes and from different multicolour cytogenetic analyses can be used to gain information about the internal structure of chromosomes. Chromatin bands and the connection surfaces in sister chromatid exchanges and in cancer translocations are planar and orthogonal to the chromosome axis. Chromosome stretching produces band splitting and even the thinnest bands are orthogonal and well defined, indicating that short stretches of DNA can occupy completely the chromosome cross-section. These observations impose strong physical constraints on models that attempt to explain chromatin folding in chromosomes. The thin-plate model, which consists of many stacked layers of planar chromatin perpendicular to the chromosome axis, is compatible with the observed orientation of bands, with the existence of thin bands and with band splitting; it is also compatible with the orthogonal orientation and planar geometry of the connection surfaces in chromosome rearrangements. The results obtained provide a consistent interpretation of the chromosome structural properties that are used in clinical cytogenetics for the diagnosis of hereditary diseases and cancers.
Interaction between microRNA expression and classical risk factors in the risk of coronary heart disease
Authors: Ding Xiao-Qing , Ge Peng-Cheng , Liu Zhe , Jia Heng , Chen Xi , An Feng-Hui , Li Li-Hua , Chen Zhao-Hong , Mao Hong-Wei , Li Zhao-Yang , Gu Yan , Zhu Tie-Bing , Li Chun-Jian , Wang Lian-Sheng , Ma Wen-Zhu , Yang Zhi-Jian , Jia En-Zhi 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to identify the synergistic effect of microRNA expression with classical risk factors of coronary heart disease (CHD) and to explore their diagnostic value for coronary stenotic lesions in subjects with CHD. Plasma samples were obtained from 66 subjects with CHD and from 58 control individuals. A quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) assay was conducted to confirm the relative expressions of the known CHD-related miRNAs. The severity of coronary atherosclerosis was based on the Gensini scoring system. The expression of miR-125b in plasma of the CHD group was lower than that of the non-CHD group (0.14 ± 0.09 vs. 0.18 ± 0.10, p = 0.055) and the miR-125b levels significantly decreased following an increasing Gensini score (P = 0.037). Spearman correlation analyses indicated the Gensini score was negatively associated with miR-125b (r = −0.215, p = 0.017). Of all the miRNAs, miR-125b showed the lowest AUC (0.405; 95% CI: 0.305 ~ 0.506, p = 0.070). We found several synergistic effects between miR-125b and classical risk factors, such as age, sex, CR, FBG and HDL-C; the proportion of CHD attributable to the interaction of miR-125b and age was as high as 80%. Therefore, miR-125b was shown to play an important role in individual’s susceptibility to developing CHD.
A Unified Framework for Reservoir Computing and Extreme Learning Machines based on a Single Time-delayed Neuron
Authors: Ortín S. , Soriano M. C. , Pesquera L. , Brunner D. , San-Martín D. , Fischer I. , Mirasso C. R. , Gutiérrez J. M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this paper we present a unified framework for extreme learning machines and reservoir computing (echo state networks), which can be physically implemented using a single nonlinear neuron subject to delayed feedback. The reservoir is built within the delay-line, employing a number of “virtual” neurons. These virtual neurons receive random projections from the input layer containing the information to be processed. One key advantage of this approach is that it can be implemented efficiently in hardware. We show that the reservoir computing implementation, in this case optoelectronic, is also capable to realize extreme learning machines, demonstrating the unified framework for both schemes in software as well as in hardware.
Synthesis of an arrayed sgRNA library targeting the human genome
Authors: Schmidt Tobias , Schmid-Burgk Jonathan L. , Hornung Veit 
Published: October 2015

AbstractClustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) in conjunction with CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) can be employed to introduce double stand breaks into mammalian genomes at user-defined loci. The endonuclease activity of the Cas complex can be targeted to a specific genomic region using a single guide RNA (sgRNA). We developed a ligation-independent cloning (LIC) assembly method for efficient and bias-free generation of large sgRNA libraries. Using this system, we performed an iterative shotgun cloning approach to generate an arrayed sgRNA library that targets one critical exon of almost every protein-coding human gene. An orthogonal mixing and deconvolution approach was used to obtain 19,506 unique sequence-validated sgRNAs (91.4% coverage). As tested in HEK 293T cells, constructs of this library have a median genome editing activity of 54.6% and employing sgRNAs of this library to generate knockout cells was successful for 19 out of 19 genes tested.
Arsenic trioxide alters the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cell into cardiomyocytes
Authors: Rebuzzini Paola , Cebral Elisa , Fassina Lorenzo , Alberto Redi Carlo , Zuccotti Maurizio , Garagna Silvia 
Published: October 2015

AbstractChronic arsenic exposure is associated with increased morbidity and mortality for cardiovascular diseases. Arsenic increases myocardial infarction mortality in young adulthood, suggesting that exposure during foetal life correlates with cardiac alterations emerging later. Here, we investigated the mechanisms of arsenic trioxide (ATO) cardiomyocytes disruption during their differentiation from mouse embryonic stem cells. Throughout 15 days of differentiation in the presence of ATO (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 μM) we analysed: the expression of i) marker genes of mesoderm (day 4), myofibrillogenic commitment (day 7) and post-natal-like cardiomyocytes (day 15); ii) sarcomeric proteins and their organisation; iii) Connexin 43 and iv) the kinematics contractile properties of syncytia. The higher the dose used, the earlier the stage of differentiation affected (mesoderm commitment, 1.0 μM). At 0.5 or 1.0 μM the expression of cardiomyocyte marker genes is altered. Even at 0.1 μM, ATO leads to reduction and skewed ratio of sarcomeric proteins and to a rarefied distribution of Connexin 43 cardiac junctions. These alterations contribute to the dysruption of the sarcomere and syncytium organisation and to the impairment of kinematic parameters of cardiomyocyte function. This study contributes insights into the mechanistic comprehension of cardiac diseases caused byin uteroarsenic exposure.
Direct patterning of organic conductors on knitted textiles for long-term electrocardiography
Authors: Takamatsu Seiichi , Lonjaret Thomas , Crisp Dakota , Badier Jean-Michel , Malliaras George G. , Ismailova Esma 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWearable sensors are receiving a great deal of attention as they offer the potential to become a key technological tool for healthcare. In order for this potential to come to fruition, new electroactive materials endowing high performance need to be integrated with textiles. Here we present a simple and reliable technique that allows the patterning of conducting polymers on textiles. Electrodes fabricated using this technique showed a low impedance contact with human skin, were able to record high quality electrocardiograms at rest and determine heart rate even when the wearer was in motion. This work paves the way towards imperceptible electrophysiology sensors for human health monitoring.
Coupled Mechanisms of Precipitation and Atomization in Burning Nanofluid Fuel Droplets
Authors: Miglani Ankur , Basu Saptarshi 
Published: October 2015

AbstractUnderstanding the combustion characteristics of fuel droplets laden with energetic nanoparticles (NP) is pivotal for lowering ignition delay, reducing pollutant emissions and increasing the combustion efficiency in next generation combustors. In this study, first we elucidate the feedback coupling between two key interacting mechanisms, namely, secondary atomization and particle agglomeration; that govern the effective mass fraction of NPs within the droplet. Second, we show how the initial NP concentration modulates their relative dominance leading to a master-slave configuration. Secondary atomization of novel nanofuels is a crucial process since it enables an effective transport of dispersed NPs to the flame (a pre-requisite condition for NPs to burn). Contrarily, NP agglomeration at the droplet surface leads to shell formation thereby retaining NPs inside the droplet. In particular, we show that at dense concentrations shell formation (master process) dominates over secondary atomization (slave) while at dilute particle loading it is the high frequency bubble ejections (master) that disrupt shell formation (slave) through its rupture and continuous outflux of NPs. This results in distinct combustion residues at dilute and dense concentrations, thereby providing a method of manufacturing flame synthesized microstructures with distinct morphologies.
Magnetoelectric effects in the skyrmion host material Cu2OSeO3
Authors: Ruff E. , Lunkenheimer P. , Loidl A. , Berger H. , Krohns S. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractInsulating helimagnetic Cu2OSeO3 shows sizeable magnetoelectric effects in its skyrmion phase. Using magnetization measurements, magneto-current analysis and dielectric spectroscopy, we provide a thorough investigation of magnetoelectric coupling, polarization and dielectric constants of the ordered magnetic and polar phases of single-crystalline Cu2OSeO3 in external magnetic fields up to 150 mT and at temperatures below 60 K. From these measurements we construct a detailed phase diagram. Especially, the skyrmion phase and the metamagnetic transition of helical to conical spin order are characterized in detail. Finally we address the question if there is any signature of polar order that can be switched by an external electric field, which would imply multiferroic behaviour of Cu2OSeO3.
Signal strength readout and miniaturised antenna for metal‐mountable UHF RFID threshold temperature sensor tag
Authors: Björninen Toni , Yang Fan 
Published: October 2015

A new method for the wireless monitoring of a battery‐free threshold temperature sensor based on a passive ultra‐high‐frequency radio‐frequency identification (RFID) tag integrated with a bimetal thermostat switch is presented. The strategic placement of the switch brings about a strong modification in the tag antenna impedance as the temperature crosses over a threshold value. Optimisation of the narrow‐band tag antenna to operate at the edges of the 902–928 MHz frequency‐hopping spread spectrum RFID in the different switch states provides separate sub‐bands for the readout above and below a threshold temperature. The results show that this enables an unambiguous sensor readout by monitoring the backscattered signal strength.
Subcutaneous Immunotherapy Improves the Symptomatology of Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Lourenço Edmir , Caldeira Eduardo , Carvalho César , Cunha Marcelo , Carvalho Marcus , Passos Saulo 
Published: October 2015

Introduction The relevance of allergic rhinitis is unquestionable. This condition affects people's quality of life and its incidence has increased over the last years.
Objective Thus, this study aims to analyze the effectiveness of subcutaneous injectable immunotherapy in cases of nasal itching, sneeze, rhinorrhea and nasal congestion in allergic rhinitis patients.
Methods In the present study, the same researcher analyzed the records of 281 patients. Furthermore, the researchers identified allergens through puncture cutaneous tests using standardized extracts containing acari, fungi, pet hair, flower pollen, and feathers. Then, the patients underwent treatment with subcutaneous specific immunotherapy, using four vaccine vials for desensitization, associated with environmental hygiene. The authors analyzed conditions of nasal itching, sneeze, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion throughout the treatment, and assigned them with a score ranging from zero (0), meaning absence of these symptoms to three (3), for severe cases. The symptoms were statistically compared in the beginning, during, and after treatment.
Results In this study, authors analyzed the cases distribution according to age and the evolution of symptomatology according to the scores, comparing all phases of treatment. The average score for the entire population studied was 2.08 before treatment and 0.44 at the end. These results represent an overall improvement of ∼79% in symptomatology of allergic rhinitis in the studied population.
Conclusion The subcutaneous immunotherapy as treatment of allergic rhinitis led to a reduction in all symptoms studied, improving the quality of life of patients, proving itself as an important therapeutic tool for these pathological conditions.