bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dissecting the formation, structure and barrier function of the stratum corneum
Authors: Matsui Takeshi , Amagai Masayuki 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe skin is the largest organ of the mammalian body. The outermost layer of mammalian skin, the stratum corneum (SC) of the epidermis, consists of piles of dead corneocytes that are the end-products of terminal differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes. The SC performs a crucial barrier function of epidermis. Langerhans cells, when activated, extend their dendrites through tight junctions just beneath the SC to capture external antigens. Recently, knowledge of the biology of corneocytes (‘corneobiology’) has progressed rapidly and many key factors that modulate its barrier function have been identified and characterized. In this review article on the SC, we summarize its evolution, formation, structure and function. Cornification is an important step of SC formation at the conversion of living epithelial cells to dead corneocytes, and consists of three major steps: formation of the intracellular keratin network, cornified envelopes and intercellular lipids. After cornification, the SC undergoes chemical reactions to form the mature SC with different functional layers. Finally, the SC is shed off at the surface (‘desquamation’), mediated by a cascade of several proteases. This review will be helpful to understand our expanding knowledge of the biology of the SC, where immunity meets external antigens.
Two-dimensional chiral molecular assembly on solid surfaces: formation and regulation
Authors: Chen Ting , Wang Dong , Wan Li-Jun 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The expression of chirality in 2D molecular assemblies on solid surfaces has unique features compared to the analogous process in 1D and 3D supramolecular assemblies. Understanding the formation of chiral molecular assemblies on surfaces not only provides insight into the origin and transfer of chirality in many enantioselective processes, but also aids rational design and construction of chiral architectures and materials. This present contribution reviews recent studies on how chirality is induced and expressed on the surface at different levels, both from intrinsically chiral and achiral molecules. Furthermore, we discuss the regulation effect of some pivotal factors, for example, the chemical structure, the chiral auxiliary molecules, and the assembled environments, on the expression of chirality in molecular assembly.
Influence of Insecticides and Reflective Mulch on Watermelon Vine Decline Caused by Squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV)
Authors: Kousik Chandrasekar S. , Adkins Scott , Webster Craig G. , Turechek William W. , Stansly Philip , Roberts Pamela D. 
Published: March 2015

Watermelon vine decline (WVD) caused by the whitefly-transmitted Squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV) has been a serious limiting factor in watermelon production in southwest and west-central Florida over the past few years. Symptoms of WVD typically appear as sudden decline of vines a few weeks before harvest or just after the first harvest. Fruit symptoms include rind necrosis and flesh discoloration that affects fruit quality and marketability. The combination of insecticide treatments consisting of an imidacloprid drench (Admire Pro, 560 ml/ha) at transplanting followed by two foliar applications of spiromesifen (Oberon, 2SC, 490 ml/ha) and reflective plastic mulch was evaluated for management of WVD during fall growing seasons of 2006, 2007, and 2009. Virus inoculum source was introduced by planting SqVYV-infected squash plants at the ends of each plot. In all three experiments, the insecticide-treated plots had significantly lower levels of WVD on foliage and fruit compared to non-treated plots. In 2007, the reflective plastic mulch was effective in reducing foliar WVD compared to non-reflective mulch, but not in 2006 and 2009. No significant interaction between plastic mulch and chemical treatments was observed on WVD development on foliage or fruit. Our results suggest that application of insecticides for managing whiteflies can help manage SqVYV-caused WVD. Accepted for publication 13 January 2015. Published 25 March 2015.
TRPV4 Is Required for Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction
Authors: Goldenberg Neil M. , Wang Liming , Ranke Hannes , Liedtke Wolfgang , Tabuchi Arata , Kuebler Wolfgang M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAbstract
A role for the calcium-permeant transient receptor potential channel TRPV4 in hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction was demonstrated in mouse models in vivo and in vitro both pharmacologically and in Trpv4−/− mice. TRPV4 is critical for hypoxia-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction, in contrast to its vasodilatory roles in renal and mesentery arteries.

Background:
Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) is critically important in regionally heterogeneous lung diseases by directing blood toward better-oxygenated lung units, yet the molecular mechanism of HPV remains unknown. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are a large cation channel family that has been implicated in HPV, specifically in the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (PASMC) Ca2+ and contractile response to hypoxia. In this study, the authors probed the role of the TRP family member, TRPV4, in HPV.

Methods:
HPV was assessed by using isolated perfused mouse lungs or by intravital microscopy to directly visualize pulmonary arterioles in mice. In vitro experiments were performed in primary human PASMC.

Results:
The hypoxia-induced pulmonary artery pressure increase seen in wild-type mice (5.6 ± 0.6 mmHg; mean ± SEM) was attenuated both by inhibition of TRPV4 (2.8 ± 0.5 mmHg), or in lungs from TRPV4-deficient mice (Trpv4

−/−
) (3.4 ± 0.5 mmHg; n = 7 each). Functionally, Trpv4

−/−
mice displayed an exaggerated hypoxemia after regional airway occlusion (pa
o
2 71% of baseline ± 2 vs. 85 ± 2%; n = 5). Direct visualization of pulmonary arterioles by intravital microscopy revealed a 66% reduction in HPV in Trpv4

−/−
mice. In human PASMC, inhibition of TRPV4 blocked the hypoxia-induced Ca2+ influx and myosin light chain phosphorylation. TRPV4 may form a heteromeric channel with TRPC6 as the two channels coimmunoprecipitate from PASMC and as there is no additive effect of TRPC and TRPV4 inhibition on Ca2+ influx in response to the agonist, 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid.

Conclusion:
TRPV4 plays a critical role in HPV, potentially via cooperation with TRPC6.
Activation of Adenosine Triphosphate–regulated Potassium Channels during Reperfusion Restores Isoflurane Postconditioning-induced Cardiac Protection in Acutely Hyperglycemic Rabbits
Authors: Raphael Jacob , Gozal Yaacov , Navot Nachum , Zuo Zhiyi 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAbstract
Adenosine triphosphate–regulated potassium channel activation restored anesthetic postconditioning-induced myocardial protection under acute hyperglycemia. This effect occurred without increasing protein kinase B (Akt) or endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation, suggesting that adenosine triphosphate–regulated potassium channels are located downstream to Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the pathway of isoflurane-induced myocardial postconditioning.

Background:
Hyperglycemia is known to inhibit myocardial anesthetic postconditioning. The authors tested whether activation of adenosine triphosphate–regulated potassium (KATP) channels would restore anesthetic postconditioning during acute hyperglycemia.

Methods:
Rabbits subjected to 40-min myocardial ischemia and 3-h reperfusion (ischemia–reperfusion [I/R]) were assigned to groups (n = 10 in each group) with or without isoflurane postconditioning (2.1% for 5 min) in the presence or absence of hyperglycemia and/or the KATP channel agonist diazoxide. Creatine kinase MB fraction and infarct size were measured. Phosphorylated protein kinase B (Akt) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were assessed. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring malondialdehyde, and apoptosis was assessed by dUTP nick-end labeling and activated caspase-3.

Results:
Postconditioning significantly reduced myocardial infarct size (26 ± 4% in the isoflurane [ISO] group vs. 53 ± 2% in the I/R group; P = 0.007); whereas, hyperglycemia inhibited this effect (infarct size: 47 ± 2%, P = 0.02 vs. the ISO group). Phosphorylated and eNOS levels increased, whereas malondialdehyde and myocardial apoptosis were significantly lower after isoflurane postconditioning compared with I/R. These effects were inhibited by acute hyperglycemia. Diazoxide restored the protective effect of isoflurane in the hyperglycemic animals (infarct size: 29 ± 2%; P = 0.01 vs. the I/R group), reduced malondialdehyde levels and myocardial apoptosis, but did not affect the expression of phosphorylated Akt or eNOS.

Conclusions:
KATP channel activation restored anesthetic postconditioning-induced myocardial protection under acute hyperglycemia. This effect occurred without increasing Akt or eNOS phosphorylation, suggesting that KATP channels are located downstream to Akt and eNOS in the pathway of isoflurane-induced myocardial postconditioning.
Comparison of Surgical Pleth Index–guided Analgesia with Conventional Analgesia Practices in Children
Authors: Park Ji Hye , Lim Byung Gun , Kim Heezoo , Lee Il Ok , Kong Myoung Hoon , Kim Nan Suk 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAbstract
Children assigned to surgical pleth index guidance received less intraoperative fentanyl. However, they suffered more emergence agitation, had more postoperative pain, and required more rescue fentanyl.

Background:
To compare surgical pleth index (SPI)-guided analgesia with conventional analgesia by evaluating intraoperative analgesic requirements, postoperative pain, and emergence agitation in children.

Methods:
This study was designed as a parallel, two-arm, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Forty-five children undergoing elective adenotonsillectomy were randomly allocated to SPI-guided group (SPI-guided analgesia group, n = 21) or control group (conventional analgesia group, n = 24). Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane 2 to 3 vol% in 50% nitrous oxide and oxygen to achieve state entropy between 40 and 60. Intraoperative fentanyl 0.5 μg/kg was administered for the first event persisting 3 min and subsequent events persisting 5 min. An event was defined as an SPI over 50 (SPI-guided group) or a blood pressure or heart rate 20% above the baseline (control group). The primary outcome was intraoperative fentanyl requirement. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative sevoflurane consumption, postoperative emergence agitation and pain score, and postoperative rescue analgesic requirements.

Results:
Intraoperative fentanyl requirement was lower in SPI-guided group than in control group (0.43 ± 0.53 vs. 1.73 ± 0.59 μg/kg; P < 0.001). Intraoperative sevoflurane consumption was similar. The proportion of patients with high emergence agitation scores (4 to 5) was greater in SPI-guided group (61.9 vs. 25.0%; P = 0.01). The postoperative pain score and rescue fentanyl consumption were higher in SPI-guided group (7 [4.5; 9] vs. 3 [2; 6.75]; P = 0.002; 0.50 ± 0.34 vs. 0.29 ± 0.30 μg/kg; P = 0.04).

Conclusions:
As currently constructed, SPI does not appear to be valid in children. This may be due to both differences in blood vessel distensibility and baseline increased heart rates in children versus adults.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Robotic versus Nonrobotic Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery
Authors: Hassan Mohammed , Miao Yongjie , Lincoln Joy , Ricci Marco 
Published: March 2015

Objective To date, a direct comparison of minimally invasive mitral valve repair or replacement (mini-MVR) versus robotic MVR is lacking; therefore, the purpose of this study was to address this deficit and compare mini-MVR with robotic MVR from a cost-benefit perspective. Methods From a total of 759 literature citations, 21 studies were included for statistical comparisons of benefit outcomes, whereas 3 studies and our institutional experience were used to compare costs. Results The total cost per case exceeding that of conventional MVR is approximately $2063.90 for robotic MVR and $271 for mini-MVR. Mean 30-day mortality rates for mini-MVR and robotic MVR groups were 1.24% and 0.55%, respectively [106/8548 vs 6/1089; odds ratio (OR), 2.27; P = 0.052]. The conversion rate to conventional MVR was 0.77% in mini-MVR and 1.83% in robotic MVR (35/5092 vs 22/1046; OR, 0.32; P < 0.001). The rate of neurologic events was 1.32% in mini-MVR and 2.37% in robotic MVR (109/8257 vs 20/845; OR, 0.55; P = 0.02). Postoperative atrial fibrillation was seen in 11.42% of mini-MVR patients and in 19.67% of robotic MVR patients (371/3249 vs 203/1032; OR, 0.53, P < 0.001). Mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was longer in mini-MVR (137.4 vs 130.4 minutes), whereas cross-clamp time was shorter (82.2 vs 96.7 minutes). Conclusions Our comparative analysis provides insights into the clinical benefits versus variable costs relationship related to mini-MVR and robotic MVR.
Evisceration With Implant Placement Posterior to Posterior Sclera
Authors: Jordan David R. , Stoica Bazil 
Published: March 2015

Purpose:
To describe the results and potential benefit of placement of a porous orbital implant (aluminum oxide) posterior to posterior sclera and compare the exposure rate with a former evisceration technique involving a posterior sclerotomy with placement of a porous implant partly within the scleral shell and partly within the intraconal space.

Methods:
Single-center, retrospective, interventional case series. A chart review of 93 patients undergoing evisceration with placement of an aluminum oxide orbital implant in conjunction with 2 different posterior sclerotomy techniques between 1999 and 2013 was carried out. Seventy-one patients met the inclusion criteria having 1 of 2 posterior sclerotomy techniques with an aluminum oxide orbital implant, a normal or near normal size eye and at least 6 months follow-up. Retrospective data analysis included demographic profile and treatment outcomes of the different posterior sclerotomy techniques. This study was performed with Institutional Review Board Approval and in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Results:
Thirty patients underwent the posterior radial sclerotomy technique, while 41 patients underwent implant placement posterior to posterior sclera technique. The average size implant used in the posterior radial sclerotomy technique was 18 mm versus 20 mm in the implant placement posterior to posterior sclera technique (p < 0.001) with the implant placed posterior to posterior sclera. The exposure rate with the posterior radial sclerotomy technique was 5 of the 30 patients (16.7%) and 0 of 41 (0%) for the implant placement posterior to posterior sclera technique (p = 0.006).

Conclusion:
Placement of an aluminum oxide orbital implant posterior to posterior sclera allowed the placement of larger implants which allowed enhancement of socket volume. In addition, it appeared to have a decreased risk of implant exposure during the study period. Porous implant placement posterior to posterior sclera is an alternate posterior sclerotomy technique that allows coverage of the implant surface with 3 layers of autogenous sclera.
SplAdder: Identification, quantification and testing of alternative splicing events from RNA-Seq data
Authors: Kahles André , Ong Cheng Soon , Zhong Yi , Rätsch Gunnar 
Published: March 2015

AbstractMotivation: Understanding the occurrence and regulation of alternative splicing (AS) is a key task towards explaining the regulatory processes that shape the complex transcriptomes of higher eukaryotes. With the advent of high-throughput sequencing of RNA (RNA-Seq), the diversity of AS transcripts could be measured at an unprecedented depth. Although the catalog of known AS events has grown ever since, novel transcripts are commonly observed when working with less well annotated organisms, in the context of disease, or within large populations. Whereas an identification of complete transcripts is technically challenging and computationally expensive, focusing on single splicing events as a proxy for transcriptome characteristics is fruitful and sufficient for a wide range of analyses.Results: We presentSplAdder, an alternative splicing toolbox, that takes RNA-Seq alignments and an annotation file as input toi) augment the annotation based on RNA-Seq evidence,ii) identify alternative splicing events present in the augmented annotation graph,iii) quantify and confirm these events based on the RNA-Seq data, andiv) test for significant quantitative differences between samples. Thereby, our main focus lies on performance, accuracy and usability.Availability: Source code and documentation are available for download athttp://github.com/ratschlab/spladder. Example data, introductory information and a small tutorial are accessible viahttp://bioweb.me/spladder.Contact:andre.kahles@ratschlab.org,gunnar.ratsch@ratschlab.org
How complexity originates: The evolution of animal eyes
Authors: Oakley Todd H. , Speiser Daniel I. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractLearning how complex traits like eyes originate is fundamental for understanding evolution. Here, we first sketch historical perspectives on trait origins and argue that new technologies offer key new insights. Next, we articulate four open questions about trait origins. To address them, we define a research program to break complex traits into components and study the individual evolutionary histories of those parts. By doing so, we can learn when the parts came together and perhaps understand why they stayed together. We apply the approach to five structural innovations critical for complex eyes, reviewing the history of the parts of each of those innovations. Photoreceptors evolved within animals by bricolage, recombining genes that originated far earlier. Multiple genes used in eyes today had ancestral roles in stress responses. We hypothesize that photo-stress could have increased the chance those genes were expressed together in places on animals where light was abundant.
Accurate Isothermal Amplification Reaction Rate Determination Using High-Frequency Sampling
Authors: Beals Thomas 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundNucleic acids quantification by amplification is currently done primarily by real-time amplification for relative quantification, or by statistical inference from replicated endpoint assays for absolute quantification. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been the dominant amplification technology, although alternative isothermal technologies have been described. Theoretical analysis of amplification kinetics and of amplification data interpretation have almost exclusively considered the PCR.ResultsReal-time measurements of isothermal amplification reactions can be made continuously, in contrast to the discrete per-cycle measurements of real-time PCR. Isothermal ramified rolling circle amplification (RAM) reactions were measured at frequent intervals, and amplification data subsets were fitted to an exponential amplification model. Signal-change-over-time slopes and time-zero signal intercepts were derived from the chosen subset data. Slope measurements were sufficient to determine a reaction rate (the isothermal equivalent of PCR efficiency) for each reaction. Analysis of slope and intercept together suggest that amplification reactions that were initiated from a single target molecule can be distinguished from reactions that that were initiated from greater than one target molecule.ConclusionsThe constant reaction environment of isothermal nucleic acid amplification allows continuous monitoring of reaction rate. Functional regions of interest in real-time data can be determined directly from the data. Accurate per-reaction efficiency can be readily measured. Improved estimation of low target copy number should improve quantification efficiency.
Statistical analysis of background noise in seismic prospecting
Authors: Zhong Tie , Li Yue , Wu Ning , Nie Pengfei , Yang Baojun 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTFrom a conventional viewpoint, seismic‐prospecting background noise is usually regarded as the product of a stationary and Gaussian stochastic process. In this paper, we use statistical methods to investigate the properties of the land‐seismic‐prospecting background noise on stationarity, Gaussianity, power spectral density, and spatial correlation. We use and analyse the passive noise records collected by receiver arrays at different typical geological environments (desert, steppe, and mountainous regions). Differences exist in the statistical properties of the background noise from different geological environments, but we still find some common characteristics. It is shown that the background noise is not strictly stationary and has different stationary properties over different timescales. Most of the noise records appear to be a Gaussian process when examined over a period of about 20 s but are found to be non‐Gaussian when examined over shorter periods of about 1 s. The background noise is a kind of colored noise, and its energy mainly concentrates in the low‐frequency bands. We also find that the spatial correlation of the background noise is weak. The results of this paper provide a scientific understanding about the properties of seismic‐prospecting background noise.
Unity and Distinctiveness in UK Coalition Government: Lessons for Junior Partners
Authors: McEnhill Libby 
Published: March 2015

AbstractParties in coalition governments must address the ‘unity/distinctiveness’ dilemma: how to maintain governing cohesion, while sustaining individual identities. Within the Cameron–Clegg government this is a challenge for both parties, but it is more so for the Liberal Democrats as the junior partner. This paper considers how the Liberal Democrats negotiated this dilemma in relation to ministerial portfolio allocations. While the Liberal Democrat strategy of placing ministers in almost all departments has served the Coalition well in terms of governing unity, it has limited the extent to which they have been able to assert their distinctive contribution to Coalition policy‐making. This is demonstrated through an examination of the Liberal Democrats' influence on Coalition welfare policy. A lack of clear policy contributions is potentially highly damaging to the Liberal Democrats electorally, as it suggests that they have made little substantive contribution to the Coalition beyond propping up their Conservative partners. Accordingly, the paper reflects on lessons for junior partners in future UK coalition governments, suggesting that concentrating ministers within one or two departments may provide a more viable means of carving out a distinctive governing legacy.
The Burgeoning Fissures of Dissent: Allen Dulles and the Selling of the CIA in the Aftermath of the Bay of Pigs
Authors: Willmetts Simon 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis article documents the efforts of Allen Dulles, upon his forced retirement from the Central Intelligence Agency in the aftermath of the Bay of Pigs, to promote his former agency in the face of mounting public criticism of its activities. It argues that the first wave of critical press regarding the CIA in the early 1960s was an early indication of the breakdown of the Cold War consensus – a phenomenon usually identified as occurring later in the decade in response to the escalation of the Vietnam War. Dulles, who as head of the CIA for most of the 1950s relied upon a compliant media to maintain the CIA's anonymity in public life, was confronted by an increasingly recalcitrant American media in the following decade that were beginning to question the logics of government secrecy, CIA covert action and US foreign policy more generally. In this respect the Bay of Pigs and the media scrutiny of the CIA and US foreign policy that it inspired can be regarded as an early precursor to the later emergence of adversarial journalism and a post‐consensus American culture that contested the Vietnam War and America's conduct in the Cold War more generally.