bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meta-Analysis of Genome-Wide Association Studies Identifies Three Loci Associated With Stiffness Index of the Calcaneus
Authors: Lu Hsing-Fang , Hung Kuo-Sheng , Chu Hou-Wei , Wong Henry Sung-Ching , Kim Jihye , Kim Mi Kyung , Choi Bo Youl , Tai Yu-Ting , Ikegawa Shiro , Cho Er-Chieh , Chang Wei-Chiao 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACT

The stiffness index (SI) from quantitative ultrasound measurements is a good indicator of BMD and may be used to predict the risk of osteoporotic fracture. We conducted a genomewide association study (GWAS) for SI using 7742 individuals from the Taiwan Biobank, followed by a replication study in a Korean population (n = 2955). Approximately 6.1 million SNPs were subjected to association analysis, and SI-associated variants were identified. We further conducted a meta-analysis of Taiwan Biobank significant SNPs with a Korean population-based cohort. Candidate genes were prioritized according to epigenetic annotations, gene ontology, protein–protein interaction, GWAS catalog, and expression quantitative trait loci analyses. Our results revealed seven significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within three loci: 7q31.31, 17p13.3, and 11q14.2. Conditional analysis showed that three SNPs, rs2536195 (CPED1/WNT16), rs1231207 (SMG6), and rs4944661 (LOC10050636/TMEM135), were the most important signals within these regions. The associations for the three SNPs were confirmed in a UK Biobank estimated BMD GWAS; these three cytobands were replicated successfully after a meta-analysis with a Korean population cohort as well. However, two SNPs were not replicated. After prioritization, we identified two novel genes, RAB15 and FNTB, as strong candidates for association with SI. Our study identified three SI-associated SNPs and two novel SI-related genes. Overall, these results provide further insight into the genetic architecture of osteoporosis. Further studies in larger East Asian populations are needed. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Sinusoidal Electromagnetic Fields Increase Peak Bone Mass in Rats by Activating Wnt10b/β-Catenin in Primary Cilia of Osteoblasts
Authors: Zhou Jian , Gao Yu-Hai , Zhu Bao-Ying , Shao Jia-Le , Ma Hui-Ping , Xian Cory J , Chen Ke-Ming 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACT

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields have been considered a potential candidate for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis; however, their action mechanism and optimal magnetic flux density (intensity) parameter are still elusive. The present study found that 50-Hz sinusoidal electromagnetic fields (SEMFs) at 1.8 mT increased the peak bone mass of young rats by increasing bone formation. Gene array expression studies with femoral bone samples showed that SEMFs increased the expression levels of collagen-1α1 and Wnt10b, a critical ligand of the osteogenic Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Consistently, SEMFs promoted osteogenic differentiation and maturation of rat calvarial osteoblasts (ROBs) in vitro through activating the Wnt10b/β-catenin pathway. This osteogenesis-promoting effect of SEMFs via Wnt10b/β-catenin signaling was found to depend on the functional integrity of primary cilia in osteoblasts. When the primary cilia were abrogated by small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting IFT88, the ability of SEMFs to promote the osteogenic differentiation of ROBs through activating Wnt10b/β-catenin signaling was blocked. Although the knockdown of Wnt10b expression with RNA interference had no effect on primary cilia, it significantly suppressed the promoting effect of SEMFs on osteoblastic differentiation/maturation. Wnt10b was normally localized at the bases of primary cilia, but it disappeared (or was released) from the cilia upon SEMF treatment. Interestingly, primary cilia were elongated to different degrees by different intensities of 50-Hz SEMFs, with the window effect observed at 1.8 mT, and the expression level of Wnt10b increased in accord with the lengths of primary cilia. These results indicate that 50-Hz 1.8-mT SEMFs increase the peak bone mass of growing rats by promoting osteogenic differentiation/maturation of osteoblasts, which is mediated, at least in part, by Wnt10b at the primary cilia and the subsequent activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Readiness of clinical genetic healthcare professionals to provide genomic medicine: An Australian census
Authors: Nisselle Amy , Macciocca Ivan , McKenzie Fiona , Vuong Hannah , Dunlop Kate , McClaren Belinda , Metcalfe Sylvia , Gaff Clara ,   for the Australian Genomics Workforce & Education Working Group
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe aimed to determine capacity and readiness of Australian clinical genetic healthcare professionals to provide genomic medicine. An online survey was administered to individuals with genetic counseling or clinical genetics qualifications in Australia. Data collected included: education, certification, continuing professional development (CPD), employment, and genetic versus genomic clinical practice. Of the estimated 630 clinical genetic healthcare professionals in Australia, 354 completed the survey (56.2% response rate). Explanatory interviews were conducted with 5.5% of the genetic counselor respondents. Those working clinically reported being involved in aspects of whole exome or genome sequencing (48.6% genetic counselors, 88.6% clinical geneticists). Most genetic counselors (74.2%) and clinical geneticists (87.0%) had attended genomics CPD in the last two years, with 61.0% and 39.1% self‐funding, respectively. Genetic counselors desire broad involvement in genomics, including understanding classifying and interpreting results to better counsel patients. The majority of respondents (89.9%) were satisfied with their job and 91.6% planned to work in genetics until retirement. However, 14.1% of the genetic counselors in clinical roles and 24.6% of the clinical geneticists planned to retire within 10 years. This is the first national audit of clinical genetic healthcare professionals, revealing the Australian workforce is motivated and prepared to embrace new models to deliver genomic medicine but consideration of education and training is required to meet demand.
Performance optimization of LQR‐based PID controller for DC‐DC buck converter via iterative‐learning‐tuning of state‐weighting matrix
Authors: Saleem Omer , Rizwan Mohsin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis paper presents a numerically optimized linear‐quadratic‐regulator–based tuning mechanism for a ubiquitous proportional‐integral‐derivative controller to improve the output‐voltage regulation capability of a direct‐current (DC)‐DC buck converter. The linear‐quadratic‐regulator minimizes the quadratic cost of variations in the control signal and error‐dynamics of output‐voltage to provide a trivial set of optimized proportional‐integral‐derivative controller gains in the form of the state‐feedback gain vector. In order to further improve the controller's time‐domain performance and its disturbance‐rejection capability against load‐transients and input‐fluctuations, an iterative‐learning‐tuning mechanism is adopted to optimize the state‐weighting matrix of the linear‐quadratic cost function. The proposed optimization mechanism iteratively converges in the direction of the steepest gradient‐descent of another performance index that directly captures the transient response characteristics, and thus, optimally selects the weighting matrix to achieve the desired natural frequency and damping ratio of the closed‐loop system. Credible hardware‐in‐the‐loop experiments are conducted on a low‐power DC‐DC buck converter circuit to validate the aforementioned propositions.
Raman study of Ming porcelain dark spots: Probing Mn‐rich spinels
Authors: Pinto Ariane , Sciau Philippe , Zhu Tiequan , Zhao Bing , Groenen Jesse 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe report on the analysis of dendritic crystals present in the dark spot areas of blue‐and‐white Ming porcelains. Using Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer, we were able to evidence Mn‐rich spinels. Small Mn‐based spinel crystals being highly sensitive to laser‐induced heating, we identified proper working conditions, avoiding excessive heating and damage. Local temperatures during Raman measurements were deduced from Stokes/anti‐Stokes intensity ratios. By analysing the behaviour of the A1g mode of Mn‐rich spinels, we were able to identify phases ranging from jacobsite‐like to hausmannite‐like compounds. Polarized Raman scattering was shown to provide a convenient means of discriminating between these two types of phases, as they display different symmetries. Inhomogeneities within the dendritic network, as evidenced by micro‐Raman measurements, highlight its gradual formation during the cooling phase of firing, depending of Fe3+ and Mn3+ availability. The presence of Mn‐based spinels is consistent with the use of a local Chinese Mn‐rich cobalt ore during the middle Ming Dynasty.
Strong Raman yield enhancement in large Si nanocrystals from ultraviolet to infrared: Density and shape dependence
Authors: Faraci Giuseppe , Italia Markus , Ruggeri Rosa , Litrico Grazia , Mannino Giovanni 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSilicon nanocrystals, few hundred nanometers in size, demonstrate impressive Raman yield enhancement. We report, first, the enormous Raman yield enhancement obtained with octahedral‐shaped nanocrystals in a wide wavelength range going from the ultraviolet, through the visible, to the infrared. We observed, along with the main Si peak amplification at 521 cm−1, also the amplification of the 480 cm−1 broad peak of a thin amorphous Si layer embedded between the nanocrystals, together with an amplification of the overall background under both Raman peaks. In order to clarify the mechanism governing the previous enhancements, the previous data were completed exploring the influence of shape by using irregular nanocrystals of similar size. These latter nanocrystals showed an amplified Raman yield, although reduced with respect to those of octahedral shape. Collected data, displayed as a function of the size and density, have been interpreted and discussed.
Immunomodulatory activities of proteins from Astragalus membranaceus waste
Authors: Huang Hao , Luo Shuang‐hui , Huang De‐chun , Cheng Shu‐jie , Cao Chong‐jiang , Chen Gui‐tang 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDAstragalus membranaceus is a traditional Chinese medicine that has a long history of medical applications. It is of interest to investigate the functional components of A. membranaceus waste with regard to its development and utilization and increasing resource utilization.RESULTSThe protein AMWP was isolated from the A. membranaceus waste. This protein was further purified by DEAE‐cellulose‐52 chromatography and Sephadex G‐200 size‐exclusion chromatography to obtain three fractions, named AMWPDG2, AMWPDG4 and AMWPDG6. Then, their immunomodulatory activities were evaluated by using cell model experiments. The results indicated that the protein fractions could significantly increase the proliferation of splenic lymphocytes, peritoneal macrophages and bone‐marrow‐derived cells (BMDCs). AMWPDG2 showed the highest immunocompetence. AMWPDG2, AMWPDG4 and AMWPDG6 not only significantly improved the phagocytosis and immunomodulatory factors (interleukin (IL)‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide) secretion of peritoneal macrophages, but also promoted the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6, IL‐12 p40, IL‐1β, IL‐1α) and chemokines (CXCL1, CCL3) in BMDCs.CONCLUSIONTaken together, these results indicated that three protein fractions from the A. membranaceus waste might be a potential natural immunomodulator. Moreover, it also provided the theoretical basis for further researching the mechanism of AMWPDG2, AMWPDG4 and AMWPDG6 on improving the immune response. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Fear and food: Effects of predator‐derived chemical cues and stoichiometric food quality onDaphnia
Authors: Bell Alex T. C. , Murray Dennis L. , Prater Clay , Frost Paul C. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWhile resource quality and predator‐derived chemical cues can each have profound effects on zooplankton populations and their function in ecosystems, the strength and direction of their interactive effects remain unclear. We conducted laboratory experiments to evaluate how stoichiometric food quality (i.e., algal carbon [C] : phosphorus [P] ratios) affects responses of the zooplankter,Daphnia pulicaria,to predator‐derived chemical cues. We compared growth rates, body P content, metabolic rates, life‐history shifts, and survival of differentially P‐nourishedDaphniain the presence and absence of chemical cues derived from fish predators. We found effects of predator cues and/or stoichiometric food quality on all measured traits ofDaphnia. Exposure to fish cues led to reduced growth and increased metabolic rates but had little effect on the body %P content ofDaphnia. Elevated algal C : P ratios reduced growth and body %P and increased mass‐specific respiration rates. While most of the effects of predator cues and algal C : P ratios ofDaphniawere non‐interactive, reduced survival and relatedly reduced population growth rates that resulted from P‐poor food were amplified in the presence of predator‐derived cues. Our results demonstrate that stoichiometric food quality interacts with antipredator responses ofDaphnia, but these effects are largely trait dependent and appear connected to animal life‐history evolution. Given the ubiquity of predators and P‐poor food in lake ecosystems, our results highlight the importance of the interactive responses of animals to predator cues and poor nutrition.
The use of chimeric musculocutaneous posterior interosseous artery flaps for treatment of osteomyelitis and soft tissue defect in hand
Authors: Franchi Alberto , Häfeli Mathias , Scaglioni Mario F. , Elliot David , Giesen Thomas 
Published: February 2019

IntroductionThere is growing evidence of the superior ability of muscular tissue to clear bacterial bone infection. Unfortunately, in the hand, there are almost no small local muscular flaps, and muscular transfers to the hand are mainly microsurgical free transfers. In this report, we present the results of the use of a chimeric posterior interosseous flap including part(s) of the forearm muscles to treat osteomyelitis and soft tissue defect of hand from a series of patients.Patients and MethodsFour male patients with an average age of 32 years (range 20–46 years), were affected by acute osteomyelitis in hand. Previous fracture fixation with percutaneous K‐wires was the cause of bone infection in three case. In one case, the osteomyelitis was a consequence of an open fracture. The bones affected were four metacarpals and one proximal phalanx, all with a minimal cortical defect (from the K‐wire) obscuring a larger medullary infection, which required extensive bone and overlying soft tissue debridement, leaving a soft tissue defect to be reconstructed of size ranging from 2 x 4 cm to 5 x 7 cm. The soft tissue defects were due to concomitant superficial infection and consequent debridement. All patients were treated with bone debridement and a chimeric posterior interosseous flap, which included part of the extensor digiti minimi and/or extensor carpi ulnaris to fill the intramedullary canal of the bones. No fixation of bone was necessary.ResultsThe skin paddle of the flaps ranged from 2 x 5 cm to 5 x 6 cm, replicating the defect area, plus a teardrop tail of skin circa 1.5 cm wide and as long as the pedicle of the flap. The muscular components of the flaps used to fill the intramedullary canals ranged from 1 x 1 x 1.5 cm to 1.5 x 1.5 x 4 cm. All flaps survived and osteomyelitis resolved in all cases without major complications. At the final follow‐up at 16 months (range 12–26 months), assessment of the hands using TAM, Power Grip and Key Pinch Strength measurements and, where appropriate, Kapandji scores, demonstrated satisfactory hand function.ConclusionThe chimeric posterior interosseous flap including part of the muscles of the forearm may be a robust solution for augmenting the flap bulk and may be used in cases of severe osteomyelitis of the hand.
Getting to Know the Neighbours with GTM: The Case of Antiviral Compounds
Authors: Orlov Alexey A. , Khvatov Evgeny V. , Koruchekov Alexander A. , Nikitina Anastasia A. , Zolotareva Anastasia D. , Eletskaya Anastasia A. , Kozlovskaya Liubov I. , Palyulin Vladimir A. , Horvath Dragos , Osolodkin Dmitry I. , Varnek Alexandre 
Published: February 2019

AbstractRecent outbreaks of dangerous viral infections, such as Ebola virus disease, Zika fever, etc., are forcing the search for new antiviral compounds. Preferably, such compounds should possess broad‐spectrum antiviral activity, as the development of drugs for the treatment of dozens of viral infections lacking specific treatment would require significant resources. Antiviral activity data present in public resources are very sparse and further investigation of structure‐activity relationships is necessary. One of the strategies could be the investigation of chemical space around known active compounds and assessment of activity against closely related viruses in order to fill in the antiviral activity matrix. Here we present an investigation of antiviral activity using universal maps built with generative topographic mapping (GTM) algorithm. The GTM‐based maps were used to find commercially available compounds in close proximity to already known compounds with anti‐flaviviral and anti‐enteroviral activities. Selected compounds were then assessed in cell‐based assays against tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and a panel of enteroviruses. This approach allowed us to identify 23 new compounds showing anti‐TBEV activity with EC50 values in micromolar and submicromolar range.
1H and 13C NMR data, occurrence, biosynthesis, and biological activity of Piper amides
Authors: Gómez‐Calvario Víctor , Rios María Yolanda 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAlkamides are the major and characteristic chemical compounds of the plants belonging to the Piper genus. These compounds are responsible for the flavor of pepper spices and for its broad use in cuisine across many regions of the world. Humans are in contact every day with these substances, which additionally show a broad variety of pharmacological activities, making them an important research target. A large amount of NMR data for these natural products is dispersed throughout literature. Its organization will help those research groups interested in their identification and structural elucidation. This review summarizes the 1H and 13C NMR data of 268 Piper amides in a systematic and orderly way, with a discussion on their biological activities, biosynthetic aspects, and NMR analysis of typical and relevant aspects of this information.
Feeding Ecology and Distribution of an Invasive Apex Predator: Flathead Catfish in Subestuaries of the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia
Authors: Schmitt Joseph D. , Emmel Jason A. , Bunch Aaron J. , Hilling Corbin D. , Orth Donald J. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Native to the central United States, Flathead Catfish Pylodictus olivaris have invaded Atlantic coast rivers from Florida to Pennsylvania. They are now invasive in several subestuaries of the Chesapeake Bay, yet contemporary accounts of their distribution do not exist. Due to their piscivorous nature, Flathead Catfish could have deleterious impacts on native ichthyofauna, yet their feeding ecology has not been well described in these systems. We used a large-scale, stratified random sampling effort to describe the current distribution and feeding ecology of Flathead Catfish in Virginia tidal rivers. Low-frequency electrofishing was conducted at more than 1,500 sites in the James, Pamunkey, Mattaponi, and Rappahannock rivers in eastern Virginia, resulting in 766 Flathead Catfish being captured in the James, Pamunkey, and Mattaponi rivers. Flathead Catfish are abundant in the tidal James River from Richmond, Virginia, to the confluence of the Chickahominy River. A relatively new but established population was also observed in the Pamunkey River, where the highest observed densities of Flathead Catfish occurred near Williams Landing (37°36′21.49″N, 77°5′33.42″W) in New Kent County, Virginia. Stomachs collected from 731 Flathead Catfish revealed that they are piscivores that feed heavily on Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum, White Perch Morone americana, and various Alosa species. Analysis of trophic level, diet breadth, and feeding strategy demonstrated that Flathead Catfish are piscine specialists that occupy trophic positions indicative of an apex predator. Our results show that Flathead Catfish could have substantial per capita impacts on at-risk native species including American Shad Alosa sapidissima, Blueback Herring A. aestivalis, and Alewife A. pseudoharengus as they make seasonal migrations in and out of these river systems. Moreover, future range expansion of Flathead Catfish into the Rappahannock River is plausible, as established populations now exist in adjacent tributaries.
Comparison of Smartphone‐Based Behavioral Obesity Treatment With Gold Standard Group Treatment and Control: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Thomas J. Graham , Bond Dale S. , Raynor Hollie A. , Papandonatos George D. , Wing Rena R. 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine whether weight losses from a primarily smartphone‐based behavioral obesity treatment (SMART) differed from those of a more intensive group‐based behavioral obesity treatment (GROUP) and a control condition (CONTROL).MethodsA total of 276 adults with overweight/obesity were randomly assigned to 18 months of GROUP‐based treatment with meetings weekly for 6 months, meetings biweekly for 6 months, and meetings monthly for 6 months and self‐monitoring via paper diaries with written feedback; SMART‐based treatment with online lessons, self‐monitoring, and feedback plus monthly weigh‐ins; or a CONTROL condition with self‐monitoring via paper diaries with written feedback and monthly weigh‐ins.ResultsAmong the 276 participants (17% men; 7.2% minority; mean [SD] age: 55.1 [9.9] years; weight: 95.9 [17.0] kg; BMI: 35.2 [5.0] kg/m2), 18‐month retention was significantly higher in both GROUP (83%) and SMART (81%) compared with CONTROL (66%). Estimated mean (95% CI) weight change over 18 months did not differ across the three conditions: 5.9 kg (95% CI: 4.5‐7.4) in GROUP, 5.5 kg (95% CI: 3.9‐7.1) in SMART, and 6.4 kg (95% CI: 3.7‐9.2) in CONTROL.ConclusionsMobile online delivery of behavioral obesity treatment can achieve weight loss outcomes that are at least as good as those obtained via the more intensive gold standard group‐based approach.