bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Site-specific glycoproteomic characterization of ES-62: The major secreted product of the parasitic worm Acanthocheilonema viteae
Authors: North Simon J , Botchway Kwamina , Doonan James , Lumb Felicity E , Dell Anne , Harnett William , Haslam Stuart M 
Published: May 2019

AbstractES-62 is the major secreted product of the parasitic filarial nematode Acanthocheilonema viteae and has potent anti-inflammatory activities as a consequence of posttranslational decoration by phosphorylcholine (PC). Previously, we showed that ES-62’s PC was attached to N-linked glycans, and using fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry, we characterized the structure of the glycans. However, it was unknown at this time which of ES-62’s four potential N-glycosylation sites carries the PC-modified glycans. In the present study, we now employ more advanced analytical tools—nano-flow liquid chromatography with high-definition electrospray mass spectrometry—to show that PC-modified glycans are found at all four potential N-glycosylation sites. Also, our earlier studies showed that up to two PC groups were detected per glycan, and we are now able to characterize N-glycans with up to five PC groups. The number per glycan varies in three of the four glycosylation sites, and in addition, for the first time, we have detected PC on the N-glycan chitobiose core in addition to terminal GlcNAc. Nevertheless, the majority of PC is detected on terminal GlcNAc, enabling it to interact with the cells and molecules of the immune system. Such expression may explain the potent immunomodulatory effects of a molecule that is considered to have significant therapeutic potential in the treatment of certain human allergic and autoimmune conditions.
Activating MRAS mutations cause Noonan syndrome associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Motta Marialetizia , Sagi-Dain Lena , Krumbach Oliver H F , Hahn Andreas , Peleg Amir , German Alina , Lissewski Christina , Coppola Simona , Pantaleoni Francesca , Kocherscheid Luisa , Altmüller Franziska , Schanze Denny , Logeswaran Thushiha , Chahrokh-Zadeh Soheyla , Munzig Anna , Nakhaei-Rad Saeideh , Cavé Hélène , Ahmadian Mohammad R , Tartaglia Marco , Zenker Martin 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The RASopathies are a group of genetic syndromes caused by upregulated RAS signaling. Noonan syndrome (NS), the most common entity among the RASopathies, is characterized mainly by short stature, cardiac anomalies and distinctive facial features. Mutations in multiple RAS-MAPK pathway-related genes have been associated with NS and related phenotypes. We describe two unrelated patients presenting with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and dysmorphic features suggestive of NS. One of them died in the neonatal period because of cardiac failure. Targeted sequencing revealed de novo MRAS variants, c.203C &gt; T (p.Thr68Ile) and c.67G &gt; C (p.Gly23Arg) as causative events. MRAS has only recently been related to NS based on the observation of two unrelated affected individuals with de novo variants involving the same codons here found mutated. Gly23 and Thr68 are highly conserved residues, and the corresponding codons are known hotspots for RASopathy-associated mutations in other RAS proteins. Functional analyses documented high level of activation of MRAS mutants due to impaired GTPase activity, which was associated with constitutive plasma membrane targeting, prolonged localization in non-raft microdomains, enhanced binding to PPP1CB and SHOC2 protein, and variably increased MAPK and PI3K-AKT activation. This report provides additional evidence that a narrow spectrum of activating mutations in MRAS represents another rare cause of NS, and that MRAS has to be counted among the RASopathy genes predisposing to HCM. Moreover, our findings further emphasize the relevance of the MRAS-SHOC2-PPP1CB axis in the control of MAPK signaling, and the contribution of both MAPK and PI3K-AKT pathways in MRAS functional upregulation.
A Prospective Pilot Randomized Study: Electroacupuncture vs. Sham Procedure for the Treatment of Fatigue in Patients With Quiescent Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Horta Diana , Lira Alba , Sanchez-Lloansi Meritxell , Villoria Albert , Teggiachi Marcelo , García-Rojo Dario , García-Molina Susana , Figuerola Ariadna , Esteve Maria , Calvet Xavier 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background
Fatigue is a common symptom in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and it often persists despite clinical remission. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective for treating fatigue in patients with many chronic diseases. The main objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EAc), compared with sham EAc (ShEAc) or being on a waitlist (WL), for treating fatigue in patients with quiescent IBD in a single-blind randomized trial.

Methods
Fifty-two patients with IBD in clinical remission and fatigue were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: EAc, ShEAc, or WL. Patients in the EAc and ShEAc groups received 9 sessions over 8 weeks. Fatigue was evaluated with the IBD-validated Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Scale (FACIT-FS).

Results
Baseline characteristics were similar in the 3 groups. Both EAc and ShEAc presented improved Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Scale scores compared with baseline: the respective improvements were 9.53 (95% confidence intervals, 6.75–12.3, P < 0.001) and 5.46 points (95% confidence intervals, 2.7–9.7, P = 0.015), respectively. No significant changes were observed in the WL group. In the comparison of treatment groups, EAc was nonsignificantly better than ShEAc (EAc, 33.27 and ShEAc, 28.13, P = 0.168); both EAc and ShEAc improved fatigue scores significantly compared to WL (24.5; P = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively).

Conclusions
Both EAc and ShEAc reduced fatigue scores in IBD patients when compared to WL. No differences were observed between EAc and ShEAc, although the study was not powered to rule out a difference. Acupuncture may offer improvements to patients with few other treatment alternatives. Clinical Trials Org Id: NCT02733276.
Sternal elevation techniques during the minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum
Authors: Haecker Frank-Martin , Krebs Thomas , Kocher Gregor J , Schmid Ralph A , Sesia Sergio B 
Published: May 2019

Summary

The aim of the review was to evaluate the routine use of sternal elevation techniques (SETs) during minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE, the Nuss procedure). We performed a review of the literature between January 1998 and September 2018 with focus on different methods of SET during MIRPE. Reported effects and side effects were evaluated and compared with our own experience concerning the routine use of the vacuum bell for sternal elevation during MIRPE during the last 13 years. SET is more often used in adult patients than in adolescents. SET improves visualization and safety of MIRPE. Advancement of the pectus introducer, retrosternal dissection and placement of the pectus bar are easier. The risk of cardial and/or pericardial lesion is reduced significantly. Different types of retractors, a crane combined with a wire and/or customized hooks are reported to be used as SET. Furthermore, routine use of a subxiphoid incision is reported. However, more technical equipment, and in some SETs additional incisions are necessary. In contrast, no additional skin incision is necessary for the vacuum bell. The routine intraoperative use of the vacuum bell was safe and effective in 131 patients. It facilitates the retrosternal dissection and the insertion of the pectus bar like other SETs. Besides a temporary mild hematoma, no relevant side effect was observed. In conclusion, an increasing number of authors report on the routine use of SET during MIRPE to improve safety of the procedure. We recommend the routine intraoperative use of the vacuum bell during MIRPE.
Efficiency of utilizing standardized ileal digestible lysine and threonine for whole-body protein retention in pregnant gilts during early, mid-, and late gestation1
Authors: Navales Ronald A S , Dunn Jim , Htoo John K , Touchette Kevin , Thaler Robert C , Levesque Crystal L 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Two experiments were conducted to determine the efficiency of utilizing SID Lys and Thr for whole-body protein retention (kSIDLys and kSIDThr) in pregnant gilts. In Exp. 1, 45 gilts (158.0 ± 8.0 kg at day 39.4 ± 1 of gestation) in 2 groups were used in a 3-period nitrogen (N)-balance study. Gilts were assigned to 1 of 4 diets set to provide 60, 70, 80, and 90% of predicted daily SID Lys requirement for protein retention (NRC, 2012) in each of early (day 41 to 52, 10.44 g/d), mid- (day 68 to 79, 9.60 g/d), and late gestation (day 96 to 107, 16.04 g/d). Diets contained 3,300 kcal ME/kg and 11.6% CP; given at a rate of 2.13 kg/d in early and mid-gestation and at 2.53 kg/d during late gestation. The 12-d balance period (7-d adaptation; 5-d urine and fecal collection) was based on total urine collection using urinary catheters and determination of fecal N digestibility using indigestible marker. The SID Lys required for whole-body protein retention was estimated using the NRC (2012) model and the predicted Lys content of each gestation pool. Lysine efficiency at each diet Lys level was calculated as the ratio of daily Lys retention and SID Lys intake. The linear and quadratic response in whole-body N and Lys retention and Lys efficiency for each balance period was determined. The kSIDLys was determined from the slope generated by regressing whole-body Lys retention vs. SID Lys intake, with y-intercept set to 0. In Exp. 2, 45 gilts (165.7 ± 13.6 kg at day 39.1 ± 2 of gestation) were assigned to 1 of 4 diets set to provide 60, 70, 80, and 90% of the predicted daily SID Thr requirement for protein retention in each of early (6.46 g/d), mid- (6.05 g/d), and late gestation (9.75 g/d). Animal management, N-balance procedure, data collection and calculation, and statistical analyses were patterned from Exp. 1. In early and mid-gestation, whole-body N retention, as well as Lys and Thr retention, was not affected by the dietary SID Lys and Thr. In late gestation, there was a linear increase (P < 0.001) in whole-body N, Lys and Thr retention. The kSIDLys and kSIDThr in late gestation were determined to be 0.54. The lack of response in whole-body protein retention in early and mid-gestation may in partly reflect excess Lys and Thr intake. Lysine and Thr efficiency calculated at the lowest dietary Lys and Thr was 0.49 and 0.32 in early gestation and 0.61 and 0.52 in mid-gestation, respectively. Based on the available evidence, kSIDLys and kSIDThr do not appear to be constant throughout gestation.
GPR31 and GPR151 are activated under acidic conditions
Authors: Mashiko Misaki , Kurosawa Aya , Tani Yuki , Tsuji Takashi , Takeda Shigeki 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Recent studies have revealed that not only proton-sensing channels, but also one family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprising OGR1, GPR4, G2A and TDAG8 are responsible for the sensing of extracellular protons, or pH. Here, we report that two other GPCRs, GPR31 and GPR151, were also activated in acidic condition. Elevated pH of assay mixtures resulted in a remarkable increase in [35S]GTPγS binding by GPR31–Giα and GPR151–Giα fusion proteins in a narrow range between pH 6 and 5. Our reporter gene assays with CHO cells expressing recombinant GPR31 or GPR151 also showed that activation was maximal at pH ∼5.8. Although these results from in vitro and cellular assays revealed slightly different pH sensitivities, all of our results indicated that GPR31 and GPR151 sensed extracellular protons equally well as other proton-sensing GPCRs.
Evidence of Benefit from Mammography Screening of Average-Risk Women Ages 40–49 Years: Science, Metrics, and Value Judgments
Authors: Feig Stephen A 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The majority of randomized control trials and service-based screening studies of women ages 40–49 years demonstrate reductions in mortality of 29%–48% when long-term outcome is assessed. Annual screening is preferable in these younger women due to faster tumor-doubling times. Advances in mammography technique and breast ultrasound may allow even better results in the future.
Japanese Knotweed and Economic Loss in Nuisance: Framing Environmental Harm in Tort
Authors: Wilde Mark 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
In two recent cases, the courts have had to grapple with liability issues arising from the spread of Japanese Knotweed, a pernicious weed, which is said to cause structural damage. One of those cases, Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd v Williams, was heard by the UK Court of Appeal where the arguments focused on the applicability of the tort of nuisance. The claimants were principally concerned about the property blight caused by the spread of the weed from a railway embankment onto their land. The litigation raises some important doctrinal points on the recoverability of economic loss in private nuisance. On a wider level, it also sheds light on how environmental harms can be framed as private financial losses which engage remedies in tort.
Measurement of formation conductivity through-casing using a TEM method
Authors: Sheng Xiaofei , Shen Jianguo , Shen Yongjin , Zhu Liufang , Zang Defu 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDue to the existence of the metal casing in production wells, it is difficult for a conventional well-logging method to achieve satisfactory results. To study the possibility of measuring the formation conductivity through casing by using a transient electromagnetic (TEM) method, characteristics of the response signals received at different source-receiver spacing are investigated. Based on the advantages of the response signals at long spacing in the separation of the direct and indirect coupled signals, the corresponding differential response signals calculated with different formation conductivities are studied further. Results show that: (1) the differential signals are three orders of magnitude smaller than that of the original response signals; (2) there is a maximum and a minimum in the differential signal; (3) with the increase of the spacing, the profile of differential signal hardly changes, but moves backward on the timeline and the amplitude decreases slowly, which is in sharp contrast to the original response signals and (4) the differential signal is proportional to the difference of corresponding formation conductivities and the maximum and minimum values in the response difference are the most sensitive. The research reveals the characteristics of TEM responses in cased-hole and the distribution of formation conductivity information, which is predicted to provide a new perspective for the design of long-spacing through-casing in the TEM conductivity logging tool and the signal processing method.
Sex-Specific Selection and the Evolution of Between-Sex Genetic Covariance
Authors: McGlothlin Joel W , Cox Robert M , Brodie Edmund D 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBecause the sexes share a genome, traits expressed in males are usually genetically correlated with the same traits expressed in females. On short timescales, between-sex genetic correlations (rmf) for shared traits may constrain the evolution of sexual dimorphism by preventing males and females from responding independently to sex-specific selection. However, over longer timescales, rmf may evolve, thereby facilitating the evolution of dimorphism. Although it has been suggested that sexually antagonistic selection may reduce rmf, we lack a general theory for the evolution of rmf and its multivariate analog, the between-sex genetic covariance matrix (B). Here, we derive a simple analytical model for the within-generation change in B due to sex-specific directional selection. We present a single-trait example demonstrating that sex-specific directional selection may either increase or decrease between-sex genetic covariance, depending on the relative strength of selection in each sex and on the current value of rmf. Although sexually antagonistic selection can reduce between-sex covariance, it will only do so when selection is much stronger in one sex than in the other. Counterintuitively, sexually antagonistic selection that is equal in strength in the 2 sexes will maintain positive between-sex covariance. Selection acting in the same direction on both sexes is predicted to reduce between-sex covariance in many cases. We illustrate our model numerically using empirical measures of sex-specific selection and between-sex genetic covariance from 2 populations of sexually dimorphic brown anole lizards (Anolis sagrei) and discuss its importance for understanding the resolution of intralocus sexual conflict.
Probing Galaxy assembly bias in BOSS galaxies using void probabilities
Authors: Walsh Kilian , Tinker Jeremy 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACT
We measure the void probability function (VPF) of galaxies in the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS). The VPF provides complementary information to standard two-point statistics in that it is sensitive to galaxy bias in the most extreme underdensities in the cosmic web. Thus, the VPF is ideal for testing whether halo occupation of galaxies depends on large-scale density, an effect known as galaxy assembly bias. We find that standard HOD model – one parameterized by halo mass only – fit only to the two-point function, accurately predicts the VPF. Additionally, for HOD models where density dependence is explicitly incorporated, the best-fitting models fit to the combination of the correlation function and the VPF have zero density dependence. Thus, galaxy assembly bias is not a strong source of systematic uncertainty when modelling the clustering of massive galaxies.
Dark Energy Surveyed Year 1 results: calibration of cluster mis-centring in the redMaPPer catalogues
Authors: Zhang Y , Jeltema T , Hollowood D L , Everett S , Rozo E , Farahi A , Bermeo A , Bhargava S , Giles P , Romer A K , Wilkinson R , Rykoff E S , Mantz A , Diehl H T , Evrard A E , Stern C , Gruen D , von der Linden A , Splettstoesser M , Chen X , Costanzi M , Allen S , Collins C , Hilton M , Klein M , Mann R G , Manolopoulou M , Morris G , Mayers J , Sahlen M , Stott J , Vergara Cervantes C , Viana P T P , Wechsler R H , Allam S , Avila S , Bechtol K , Bertin E , Brooks D , Burke D L , Carnero Rosell A , Carrasco Kind M , Carretero J , Castander F J , da Costa L N , De Vicente J , Desai S , Dietrich J P , Doel P , Flaugher B , Fosalba P , Frieman J , García-Bellido J , Gaztanaga E , Gruendl R A , Gschwend J , Gutierrez G , Hartley W G , Honscheid K , Hoyle B , Krause E , Kuehn K , Kuropatkin N , Lima M , Maia M A G , Marshall J L , Melchior P , Menanteau F , Miller C J , Miquel R , Ogando R L C , Plazas A A , Sanchez E , Scarpine V , Schindler R , Serrano S , Sevilla-Noarbe I , Smith M , Soares-Santos M , Suchyta E , Swanson M E C , Tarle G , Thomas D , Tucker D L , Vikram V , Wester W ,   (DES Collaboration)
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe centre determination of a galaxy cluster from an optical cluster finding algorithm can be offset from theoretical prescriptions or N-body definitions of its host halo centre. These offsets impact the recovered cluster statistics, affecting both richness measurements and the weak lensing shear profile around the clusters. This paper models the centring performance of the redMaPPer cluster finding algorithm using archival X-ray observations of redMaPPer-selected clusters. Assuming the X-ray emission peaks as the fiducial halo centres, and through analysing their offsets to the redMaPPer centres, we find that ${\sim } 75\pm 8 {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the redMaPPer clusters are well centred and the mis-centred offset follows a Gamma distribution in normalized, projected distance. These mis-centring offsets cause a systematic underestimation of cluster richness relative to the well-centred clusters, for which we propose a descriptive model. Our results enable the DES Y1 cluster cosmology analysis by characterizing the necessary corrections to both the weak lensing and richness abundance functions of the DES Y1 redMaPPer cluster catalogue.
Implementing and Evaluating a Mentor Training to Improve Support for Early-Career Scholars in Tobacco Regulatory Science
Authors: Di Frances Christy D , Childs Ellen , Fetterman Jessica L , Villanti Andrea C , Stanton Cassandra A , Russo Abigail R , Hirsch Glenn A , Solis Amy C , Benjamin Emelia J 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Introduction
To implement and evaluate a blended online and in-person training to help mentors of early-career researchers appreciate the complexities of Tobacco Regulatory Science (TRS), refine TRS mentoring skills, and become acquainted with resources for providing effective guidance to TRS mentees.

Methods
TRS mentors engaged in a two-part pilot test of the training program. Authors evaluated both the online and in-person training using retrospective pre-post evaluations, which measure learning at the conclusion of a training program, and post-program focus groups. Twenty learners completed the online training, and 16 learners attended the in-person training module. Nine participants completed evaluations for the online module, and 12 participants completed evaluations for the in-person module.

Results
Program assessments revealed that participants found that the training achieved its overall goals. The majority of respondents (87.5%) rated the online portion of the training as valuable. For the in-person training, participants reported statistically significant improvements regarding confidence in: helping mentees to identify skills and training to effectively pursue TRS, assisting mentees in weighing career trajectories, and guiding mentees in conducting research responsive to TRS regulatory priorities.

Conclusions
The novel mentoring program was well received by faculty seeking to strengthen skills for mentoring early-career TRS researchers to navigate the complex landscape of TRS, explore diverse funding opportunities, and discern potential career trajectories. It provided unique content to address issues outside the traditional tobacco research training curriculum and offered specific information on regulatory policies, priorities, and opportunities.

Implications
This research documents the deployment and evaluation of a blended online and in-person training program for investigators mentoring early-career researchers working in TRS. Our assessment discovered that participants found the training to be valuable to their overall mentoring objectives. The training comprises a novel curriculum for investigators engaged in mentoring early-career researchers in a unique field, thus filling a deficit in the published literature by presenting a curriculum that has been customized to the unique needs of TRS mentors.
EFFECTIVE RADIATION DOSE OF 18F-FDG PET/CT: HOW MUCH DOES DIAGNOSTIC CT CONTRIBUTE?
Authors: Li Yuhao , Jiang Lisha , Wang Haitao , Cai Huawei , Xiang Yongzhao , Li Lin 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The aim was to estimate the effective doses associated with different types of scanning protocols and how much the diagnostic computed tomography (DCT) scan contributed to the total dose of the dual-modality positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) examinations. The results showed that an average radiation dose of 8.19 ± 0.83 mSv and 13.44 ± 5.14 mSv for the PET and CT components, respectively, resulting in a total dose of 21.64 ± 5.20 mSv. Approximately 92.7% (980 of 1057) of the patients underwent additional DCT protocols. The DCT protocols contributed 42% of the overall effective radiation doses, which was larger than the percentage contributed by the PET component (38%) and LCT protocols (20%). Reducing the diagnostic area of the DCT scans that patients undergo and decreasing the use of chest-abdomen-pelvis (CAP), abdomen-pelvis (AP) and chest DCT protocols, especially the CAP protocol, will be helpful in decreasing the effective radiation doses of PET/CT scan.