bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toward Dynamic Prescribing Information: Codevelopment of Companion Model‐Informed Precision Dosing Tools in Drug Development
Authors: Polasek Thomas M. , Rayner Craig R. , Peck Richard W. , Rowland Andrew , Kimko Holly , Rostami‐Hodjegan Amin 
Published: November 2018

AbstractModel‐informed precision dosing (MIPD) is biosimulation in healthcare to predict the drug dose for a given patient based on their individual characteristics that is most likely to improve efficacy and/or lower toxicity compared with traditional dosing. Despite widespread use of biosimulation in drug development, MIPD has not been adopted beyond academic‐hospital centers. A reason for this is that MIPD requires more supporting evidence in the language that everyday doctors understand—evidence‐based medicine. In this commentary, codevelopment of companion MIPD tools during drug development is advocated as a way to accelerate the generation of the evidence required for broader clinical implementation of MIPD. Such tools have the potential to evolve into “dynamic” prescribing information that could guide dose selection for complex patients.
The number of remaining teeth as a risk indicator of cognitive impairment: A cross‐sectional clinical study in Sado Island
Authors: Kuroki Ayumi , Sugita Noriko , Komatsu Shigeki , Wakasugi Minako , Yokoseki Akio , Yoshihara Akihiro , Kobayashi Tetsuo , Nakamura Kazutoshi , Momotsu Takeshi , Endo Naoto , Sato Kenji , Narita Ichiei , Yoshie Hiromasa 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMost studies that have demonstrated an association between number of remaining teeth and cognitive impairment have treated teeth as a continuous variable, although the relationship is nonlinear. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to determine the critical number of remaining teeth in hospital outpatients at which the association with cognitive impairment becomes apparent. Japanese adults living on Sado Island who visited Sado General Hospital were invited to participate in Project in Sado for Total Health. In total, 2,530 adults were interviewed and had their teeth counted; 1,476 of these individuals also completed the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and underwent measurement of their serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) levels. Patients on dialysis and those with hsCRP ≥ 10 mg/L were excluded. The final study group consisted of 565 adults (290 men and 275 women) of mean age 69.8 (range 29–91) years. An MMSE score < 24 was considered to indicate cognitive impairment. The subjects were categorized according to whether they had an edentulous jaw or one to 10, 11–20, 21–27, or ≥28 remaining teeth. One hundred twenty‐eight of the 565 study participants were diagnosed to have cognitive impairment. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed associations of cognitive impairment with older age, ischemic heart disease, smoking, and alcohol consumption. After adjustment for covariates, having one to 10 remaining teeth was significantly associated with cognitive impairment. There is a significant association between having only one to 10 remaining teeth and cognitive impairment in hospital outpatients.
Comparison of large‐scale citizen science data and long‐term study data for phenology modeling
Authors: Taylor Shawn D. , Meiners Joan M. , Riemer Kristina , Orr Michael C. , White Ethan P. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractLarge‐scale observational data from citizen science efforts are becoming increasingly common in ecology, and researchers often choose between these and data from intensive local‐scale studies for their analyses. This choice has potential trade‐offs related to spatial scale, observer variance, and interannual variability. Here we explored this issue with phenology by comparing models built using data from the large‐scale, citizen science USA National Phenology Network (USA‐NPN) effort with models built using data from more intensive studies at Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites. We built statistical and process based phenology models for species common to each data set. From these models, we compared parameter estimates, estimates of phenological events, and out‐of‐sample errors between models derived from both USA‐NPN and LTER data. We found that model parameter estimates for the same species were most similar between the two data sets when using simple models, but parameter estimates varied widely as model complexity increased. Despite this, estimates for the date of phenological events and out‐of‐sample errors were similar, regardless of the model chosen. Predictions for USA‐NPN data had the lowest error when using models built from the USA‐NPN data, while LTER predictions were best made using LTER‐derived models, confirming that models perform best when applied at the same scale they were built. This difference in the cross‐scale model comparison is likely due to variation in phenological requirements within species. Models using the USA‐NPN data set can integrate parameters over a large spatial scale while those using an LTER data set can only estimate parameters for a single location. Accordingly, the choice of data set depends on the research question. Inferences about species‐specific phenological requirements are best made with LTER data, and if USA‐NPN or similar data are all that is available, then analyses should be limited to simple models. Large‐scale predictive modeling is best done with the larger‐scale USA‐NPN data, which has high spatial representation and a large regional species pool. LTER data sets, on the other hand, have high site fidelity and thus characterize inter‐annual variability extremely well. Future research aimed at forecasting phenology events for particular species over larger scales should develop models that integrate the strengths of both data sets.
The big two dictionaries: Capturing agency and communion in natural language
Authors: Pietraszkiewicz Agnieszka , Formanowicz Magdalena , Gustafsson Sendén Marie , Boyd Ryan L. , Sikström Sverker , Sczesny Sabine 
Published: November 2018

AbstractFour studies developed and validated two dictionaries to capture agentic and communal expressions in natural language. Their development followed the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) approach (Study 1) and we tested their validity with frequency‐based analyses and semantic similarity measures. The newly developed Agency and Communion dictionaries were aligned with LIWC categories related to agency and communion (Study 2), and corresponded with subjective ratings (Study 3), confirming their convergent validity. Very low or absent correspondence between proposed dictionaries and unrelated LIWC categories demonstrated their discriminant validity (Study 2). Finally, we applied both dictionaries to language used in advertisements. In correspondence to gender stereotypes, male‐dominated jobs were advertised with more agentic than communal words, and female‐dominated jobs with more communal than agentic words (Study 4). Both dictionaries represent reliable tools for quantifying agentic and communal content in natural language, and will improve and facilitate future research on agency and communion.
Functional and structural characterization of a novel catechol‐O‐methyltransferase from Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Wang Qing , Teng Maikun , Li Xu 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTCatechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT1) catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM) to various catechol substrates. COMTs play vital roles in physiological processes in animals, plants, and fungi, as well as bacteria, and have essential application values in industry. spCOMT is a probable COMT from Schizosaccharomyces pombe. It has an extraordinary intracellular distribution different from other homologs and would thus be predicted to perform a distinct physiological function. In this report, recombinant spCOMT was purified and kinetically characterized for the first time. The enzymology assays indicate that spCOMT is a metal‐dependent enzyme and belongs to class I OMTs. In addition, the crystal structures of apo‐spCOMT and SAM‐complexed spCOMT were also presented, revealing that spCOMT possesses a conserved SAM‐binding site and Mg2+ pocket, but a distinct substrate pocket was not present in homologs. The mutagenesis ITC analysis revealed the SAM recognition characteristics of spCOMT. Based on all of the above findings, we speculated about the putative substrates’ characteristics and the substrate recognition mechanisms of spCOMT. This work will help in elucidating the physiological functions of spCOMT in S. pombe. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(3):330–339, 2019
Probing the mechanism of simultaneous bioenergy production and biodegradation process of Congo red in microbial fuel cells
Authors: Gomaa Ola M , Fapetu Segun , Kyazze Godfrey , Keshavarz Tajalli 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDMany approaches have been employed to increase the understanding and consequently the performance of microbial fuel cells to obtain simultaneous power production and biodegradation. This study uses recombinant Escherichia coli K‐12 with MtrA, MtrC and MtrCAB inserts previously prepared using synthetic biology to evaluate the involvement of each of these genes in bioenergy production and biodegradation of Congo red using a double chamber microbial fuel cell.RESULTSMtrC was the key gene required for energy production corresponding to an average voltage of 360 mV (external resistance 1 kΩ) and power density of 59 mW m‐2, while E. coli with MtrCAB insert showed the highest decolourisation which reached 80% in 36 h under microbial fuel cell conditions. Coulombic efficiency was 1.2% for E. coli with MtrCAB compared with 2.5% and 2.3% for MtrC and MtrA inserts, respectively. Riboflavin seems to be involved in the electron transferring, its concentration was highest for E. coli with MtrA insert despite its poor performance for both bioenergy production and dye degradation.CONCLUSIONThis study suggests that electrons are mutually exclusive between electricity production, dye degradation and other cellular activities. This study helps to improve our understanding of the dual bioenergy/decolourisation process taking place in MFCs in order to maximize the outcome. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Natural selection for killer receptors and their MHC class I ligands: In pursuit of gene pairs that fit well in tandem
Authors: Brown Michael G , Gamache Awndre , Nash William T , Cronk John 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Our understanding of the genetic basis of host resistance to viral infection and disease has progressed significantly over the last century. Numerous genes coding for modifiers of immune functions have been identified, which impact a variety of critical cellular processes, including signaling via lymphocyte receptors and their ligands, signal transduction, cytokine signaling, production and release of cytotoxic effectors, transcriptional regulation, and proliferation. Genome-wide association studies implicate an important role for both highly polymorphic NK cell receptors and their MHC class I ligands in modifying host resistance. These findings indicate NK cells are critical mediators of viral control with considerable potential to affect morbidity and mortality outcomes. They further suggest that both stimulatory and inhibitory NK receptor polymorphisms alter NK cell sensing of MHC I ligands on viral targets, which influences how NK cells respond to infection. In many cases, however, the underlying causes associated with host outcomes remain elusive. Herein, we discuss several modes of NK cell sensing of MHC I and MHC I-like molecules on viral targets, and the role of genetic diversity in this evolutionarily dynamic process. We further suggest that natural selection for paired NK receptors with opposing function, but shared MHC I ligands may give rise to rare, but highly effective MHC I-dependent modes of NK cell sensing of viral targets.
Gamma‐ray spectrometry as versatile tool in soil science: A critical review
Authors: Reinhardt Nadja , Herrmann Ludger 
Published: November 2018

AbstractGamma‐ray spectrometry is an established method in geo‐sciences. This article gives an overview on fundamentals of gamma‐ray spectrometry that are relevant to soil science including basic technical aspects, and discusses influencing factors, inconsistencies, limitations, and open questions related to the method. Gamma‐ray spectrometry relies on counting gamma quanta during radionuclide decay of40K,238U, and232Th, but secular equilibrium for the decay series of U and Th must be given as decays of their respective daughter radionuclides are used for determination. Secular equilibrium for U and Th decay series, however, is not always given leading to,e.g., anomalies in U concentration measurements. For soil science, gamma‐ray spectrometry is of specific value since it does not only detect a signal from the landscape surface, but integrates information over a certain volume. Besides, different spatial scales can be covered using either ground‐based or airborne sensing techniques. Together with other remote sensing methods, gamma signatures can provide completive information for understanding land forming processes and soil properties distributions. At first, signals depend on bedrock composition. The signals are in second order altered by weathering processes leading to more interpretation opportunities and challenges. Due to their physico‐chemical properties, radionuclides behave differently in soils and their properties can be distinguishedviathe resulting signatures. Hence, gamma signatures of soils are specific for local environments. Processes like soil erosion can superimpose gamma signals fromin situweathering. Soil mappings, available K and texture determination, or peat and soil erosion mapping are possible applications being discussed in this review.
Understanding farmers' investments in sustainable land management in Burundi: A case‐study in the provinces of Gitega and Muyinga
Authors: Ndagijimana Marcien , Kessler Aad , Asseldonk Marcel van 
Published: November 2018

AbstractUnderstanding farmers' decision‐making to tackle land degradation by means of sustainable land management (SLM) practices is essential for policy makers. The main objective of this study was to identify factors that influence farmers' investments in SLM. A survey was conducted in two provinces of Burundi (Gitega and Muyinga) among 160 households. Methods for data analysis comprised descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression. It was derived that both provinces experience severe land degradation, with soil erosion experienced by 88% of the farmers and soil fertility depletion by 92%. Furthermore, findings show that occurrence of soil erosion on the farm (p = 0.025), access to credit (p = 0.022), education level (p = 0.040), engagement of the household head in farming (p < 0.001), and age of the household head (p = 0.050) are significantly and positively associated with higher investments in SLM. Moreover, the findings reveal that the yearly costs per farmer associated to the SLM practices' implementation ranged from US$10.08 for soil and water conservation practices up to US$36.24 for organic fertilizers. Therefore, in order to foster SLM, we recommend policy makers in Burundi to improve access to credit markets in rural areas and enhance efforts to strengthen smallholders' skills, bringing as such more integrated and effective solutions to cope with land degradation problems.
Monitoring Metallo‐Macromolecular Assembly Equilibria by Ion Mobility‐Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Endres Kevin J. , Xie Ting‐Zheng , Chakraborty Sourav , Hoopingarner Chad , Wesdemiotis Chrys 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIon mobility–mass spectrometry (IM‐MS) allows the separation of isomeric and isobaric species on the basis of their size, shape, and charge. The fast separation timescale (ms) and high sensitivity of these measurements make IM‐MS an ideally suitable method for monitoring changes in macromolecular structure, such as those occurring in interconverting terpyridine‐based metallosupramolecular self‐assemblies. IM‐MS is used to verify the elemental composition (size) and architecture (shape) of the self‐assembled products. Additionally, this article demonstrates its applicability to the elucidation of concentration‐driven association–dissociation (fusion–fission) equilibria between isobaric structures. IM‐MS enables both quantitative separation and identification of the interconverting complexes as well as derivation of the corresponding equilibrium constants (i.e., thermodynamic information) from extracted IM‐MS abundance data.
Technical Note: Influence of entrance window deformation on reference dosimetry measurement in various beam modalities
Authors: Kinoshita Naoki , Kohno Ryosuke , Oguchi Hiroshi 
Published: November 2018

PurposePhantoms for horizontal beam geometry can avoid issues in vertical‐beam geometry, such as change in chamber depth due to evaporation, and defining the origin at the water surface. However, their thin entrance windows would deform when these phantoms are filled, which can change the chamber depth, as pointed out by The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) TRS‐398. Currently, few reports (Arib et al., J Appl Clin Med Phys. 2006; 7:55–64, and Kinoshita et al., Rep Pract Oncol Radiother. 2018; 23:199–206) are available with practical data on window deformation. Therefore, we investigated the influence of entrance window deformation on chamber depths in water phantoms and the measurements in various beam modalities.MethodsTo examine widely used phantoms and phantoms with different characteristics, three phantom types were investigated (the number of phantoms investigated appears in parentheses): PTW—type 41023 (2), Qualita—QWP‐04 (2), and IBA—WP34 (2). Prior to the investigation, these phantoms were stored for acclimatization in a room for approximately 10 h under the following two conditions: (a) room temperature: 21 ± 2°C; (b) room temperature: 27 ± 2°C. Using a dial indicator, the centers of the windows were monitored every 30 min for 12 h immediately after the phantoms were filled, in a treatment room at the room temperature of 21 ± 2°C.ResultsImmediately after the phantoms were filled, the window deformation ranged from −0.07 (inward‐deformation) to 0.3 mm (outward deformation) among the six phantoms, in comparison with empty phantom windows. For 12 h after the phantoms were filled, the change in the deformation was up to 0.23 mm, but typically less than 0.15 mm.ConclusionsReference dosimetry in photon, electron, and proton beams would not be influenced significantly by these window behaviors, whereas the window deformation has a slight impact on those heavy ion beams.
Sexual and urinary function following anterior lumbar surgery in females
Authors: Wuertz‐Kozak Karin , Bleisch Dominique , Nadi Najia , Prömmel Peter , Hitzl Wolfgang , Kessler Thomas M.M. , Gautschi Oliver P. , Hausmann Oliver N. 
Published: November 2018

AimsAnterior lumbar interbody fusion procedures (ALIF) and total disc replacement (TDR) with anterior exposure of the lumbar spine entail a risk of a vascular injury and dysfunction of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves due to disturbance of the inferior and superior hypogastric plexus. While retrograde ejaculation is a known complication of the anterior spinal approach in males, post‐operative sexual as well as urinary function in females has not yet been thoroughly investigated and was hence the aim of this study.MethodsFifteen female patients documented their sexual and urinary function preoperatively, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively, using the validated questionnaires FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) and ICIQ (International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire). Randomization tests were used to statistically analyze expectation values over time (two‐sided, P < 0.05).ResultsWhile no statistically significant change in the total FSFI score occurred over time, a significant increase in FSFI desire score was noted between preoperative (2.95 ± 0.8) and 6 months follow‐up (3.51 ± 0.6, P = 0.02). Urinary continence remained unchanged over time.ConclusionIn summary, ALIF and lumbar TDR do not seem to negatively influence sexual and urinary function in females. In contrast, increased sexual desire was noted, likely secondary to post‐surgical pain relief.
The effect of herpes simplex virus vector‐mediated gene therapy of protein phosphatase 1α on bladder overactivity and nociception
Authors: Majima Tsuyoshi , Mori Kenichi , Kadekawa Katsumi , Takai Shun , Funahashi Yasuhito , Reinhart Bonnie , Goins William F. , Gotoh Momokazu , Glorioso Joseph C. , Yoshimura Naoki 
Published: November 2018

AimsWe studied the effect of herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors‐based gene transfer of protein phosphatase 1α (PP1α) on bladder hypersensitivity in rats.MethodsUsing adult female Sprague‐Dawley rats, non‐replicating HSV vectors carrying PP1α or green fluorescent protein (GFP) were injected into the bladder wall. At one week after vector inoculation, cystometry and Western blot assay were performed, whereas the other experiments were performed at 2 weeks after vector inoculation.ResultsGFP‐expressing cells were identified in the bladder as well as in L6/S1 dorsal root ganglia at 14 days.  In cystometry, intercontraction intervals (ICI) after resiniferatoxin (RTx; TRPV1 agonist) irrigation was significantly reduced in the PP1α group in comparison with the GFP group. Moreover, RTx‐induced freezing behavior events were observed significantly more frequently in the PP1α group than the GFP group. The number of c‐Fos positive cells in the L6 spinal dorsal horn was significantly less in the PP1α group than in the GFP group. Western blot assay revealed lower levels of phosphorylated inositol 1, 4, 5‐triphosphate receptor (p‐IP3R), and phosphorylated TRPV1 in the PP1α compared with the GFP group.ConclusionsHSV vectors‐mediated PP1α gene therapy may be an alternative treatment modality for cystitis‐related hypersensitive bladder condition at least in part via modulation of the IP3R signaling pathway.
Biodegradable Natural Pectin‐Based Flexible Multilevel Resistive Switching Memory for Transient Electronics
Authors: Xu Jiaqi , Zhao Xiaoning , Wang Zhongqiang , Xu Haiyang , Hu Junli , Ma Jiangang , Liu Yichun 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTransient electronics that can physically vanish in solution can offer opportunities to address the ecological challenges for dealing with the rapidly growing electronic waste. As one important component, it is desirable that memory devices combined with the transient feature can also be developed as secrecy information storage systems besides the above advantage. Resistive switching (RS) memory is one of the most promising technologies for next‐generation memory. Herein, the biocompatible pectin extracted from natural orange peel is introduced to fabricate RS memory devices (Ag/pectin/indium tin oxides (ITO)), which exhibit excellent RS characteristics, such as forming free characteristic, low operating voltages (≈1.1 V), fast switching speed (<70 ns), long retention time (>104 s), and multilevel RS behaviors. The device performance is not degraded after 104 bending cycles, which will be beneficial for flexible memory applications. Additionally, instead of using acid solution, the Ag/pectin/ITO memory device can be dissolved rapidly in deionized water within 10 min thanks to the good solubility arising from ionization of its carboxylic groups, which shows promising application for green electronics. The present biocompatible memory devices based on natural pectin suggest promising material candidates toward enabling high‐density secure information storage systems applications, flexible electronics, and green electronics.