bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rice intermediate filament, OsIF, stabilizes photosynthetic machinery and yield under salinity and heat stress
Authors: Soda Neelam , Gupta Brijesh K. , Anwar Khalid , Sharan Ashutosh , Govindjee  , Singla-Pareek Sneh L. , Pareek Ashwani 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCytoskeleton plays a vital role in stress tolerance; however, involvement of intermediate filaments (IFs) in such a response remains elusive in crop plants. This study provides clear evidence about the unique involvement of IFs in cellular protection against abiotic stress in rice. Transcript abundance of Oryza sativa intermediate filament (OsIF) encoding gene showed 2–10 fold up-regulation under different abiotic stress. Overexpression of OsIF in transgenic rice enhanced tolerance to salinity and heat stress, while its knock-down (KD) rendered plants more sensitive thereby indicating the role of IFs in promoting survival under stress. Seeds of OsIF overexpression rice germinated normally in the presence of high salt, showed better growth, maintained chloroplast ultrastructure and favourable K+/Na+ ratio than the wild type (WT) and KD plants. Analysis of photosynthesis and chlorophyll a fluorescence data suggested better performance of both photosystem I and II in the OsIF overexpression rice under salinity stress as compared to the WT and KD. Under salinity and high temperature stress, OsIF overexpressing plants could maintain significantly high yield, while the WT and KD plants could not. Further, metabolite profiling revealed a 2–4 fold higher accumulation of proline and trehalose in OsIF overexpressing rice than WT, under salinity stress.
1H NMR-based metabolomics reveals the effect of maternal habitual dietary patterns on human amniotic fluid profile
Authors: Fotiou Maria , Fotakis Charalambos , Tsakoumaki Foteini , Athanasiadou Elpiniki , Kyrkou Charikleia , Dimitropoulou Aristea , Tsiaka Thalia , Chatziioannou Anastasia Chrysovalantou , Sarafidis Kosmas , Menexes George , Theodoridis Georgios , Biliaderis Costas G. , Zoumpoulakis Panagiotis , Athanasiadis Apostolos P. , Michaelidou Alexandra-Maria 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMaternal diet may influence offspring’s health, even within well-nourished populations. Amniotic fluid (AF) provides a rational compartment for studies on fetal metabolism. Evidence in animal models indicates that maternal diet affects AF metabolic profile; however, data from human studies are scarce. Therefore, we have explored whether AF content may be influenced by maternal diet, using a validated food-frequency questionnaire and implementing NMR-based metabolomics. Sixty-five AF specimens, from women undergoing second-trimester amniocentesis for prenatal diagnosis, were analysed. Complementary, maternal serum and urine samples were profiled. Hierarchical cluster analysis identified 2 dietary patterns, cluster 1 (C1, n = 33) and cluster 2 (C2, n = 32). C1 was characterized by significantly higher percentages of energy derived from refined cereals, yellow cheese, red meat, poultry, and “ready-to-eat” foods, while C2 by higher (P < 0.05) whole cereals, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts. 1H NMR spectra allowed the identification of metabolites associated with these dietary patterns; glucose, alanine, tyrosine, valine, citrate, cis-acotinate, and formate were the key discriminatory metabolites elevated in C1 AF specimens. This is the first evidence to suggest that the composition of AF is influenced by maternal habitual dietary patterns. Our results highlight the need to broaden the knowledge on the importance of maternal nutrition during pregnancy.
High-Throughput Sequencing and Linkage Mapping of a Clownfish Genome Provide Insights on the Distribution of Molecular Players Involved in Sex Change
Authors: Casas Laura , Saenz-Agudelo Pablo , Irigoien Xabier 
Published: February 2018

AbstractClownfishes are an excellent model system for investigating the genetic mechanism governing hermaphroditism and socially-controlled sex change in their natural environment because they are broadly distributed and strongly site-attached. Genomic tools, such as genetic linkage maps, allow fine-mapping of loci involved in molecular pathways underlying these reproductive processes. In this study, a high-density genetic map ofAmphiprion bicinctuswas constructed with 3146 RAD markers in a full-sib family organized in 24 robust linkage groups which correspond to the haploid chromosome number of the species. The length of the map was 4294.71 cM, with an average marker interval of 1.38 cM. The clownfish linkage map showed various levels of conserved synteny and collinearity with the genomes of Asian and European seabass, Nile tilapia and stickleback. The map provided a platform to investigate the genomic position of genes with differential expression during sex change inA. bicinctus. This study aims to bridge the gap of genome-scale information for this iconic group of species to facilitate the study of the main gene regulatory networks governing social sex change and gonadal restructuring in protandrous hermaphrodites.
Tadpoles respond to background colour under threat
Authors: Eterovick Paula Cabral , Mendes Izabela Santos , Kloh Jéssica Stephanie , Pinheiro Luan Tavares , Václav Amadeus Bicalho Horta Portela , Santos Thiago , Gontijo Ana Sofia Buza 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe ability to respond to background colour is an important feature of species that might benefit from background matching camouflage. Tadpole colour patterns vary and could be associated with several functions, including defense. Because tadpoles are exposed to a wide array of visually oriented predators, they represent good models to study defensive colouration and associated behaviours. We tested whether a potentially disruptively camouflaged tadpole with a dark body crossed by yellow bars (Ololygon machadoi) is able to respond differently to matching light and dark natural background colours and an artificial blue contrasting background. We used a syntopic contrasting black tadpole (Bokermannohyla martinsi) as a control, expecting it not to respond to background colour in search for camouflage. Ololygon machadoi tadpoles chose light over blue backgrounds under threat, as expected, however they did not show preferential use of dark vs. blue backgrounds. Bokermannohyla martinsi did not respond to any combination of background colours. Our results suggest that O. machadoi tadpoles are able to respond to background colour, and may favor matching backgrounds under some circumstances. The potentially disruptive colouration of O. machadoi tadpoles may increase their repertoire of escape strategies, background matching being one of the options to escape predation.
Emergency department visits and unanticipated readmissions after liver transplantation: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Oh Seung-Young , Lee Jeong Moo , Lee Hannah , Jung Chul-Woo , Yi Nam-Joon , Lee Kwang-Woong , Suh Kyung-Suk , Ryu Ho Geol 
Published: February 2018

AbstractImproved survival after LT are likely to result in increased healthcare resource utilization. The pattern and risk factors of emergency department (ED) visits and unanticipated readmissions, associated cost, and predictors of healthcare resource utilization after liver transplantation (LT) patients who received LT between 2011 and 2014 were analyzed. A total of 430 LT recipients were enrolled and the 1 year all-cause mortality was 1.4%. ED visits occurred in 53% (229/430) and unanticipated readmissions occurred at least once in 58.6% (252/430) of the patients. Overall risk factors for ED visits after LT included emergency operation [OR 1.56 (95%CI 1.02–2.37), p = 0.038] and warm ischemic time of >15 minutes [OR 2.36 (95%CI 1.25–4.47), p = 0.015]. Risk factors for readmissions after LT included greater estimated blood loss during LT [OR 1.09 (95%CI 1.02–1.17), p = 0.012], warm ischemic time of >15 minutes [OR 1.98 (95%CI 1.04–3.78), p = 0.038], and hospital length of stay of >2 weeks.
Chemical & Nano-mechanical Study of Artificial Human Enamel Subsurface Lesions
Authors: Al-Obaidi R. , Salehi H. , Desoutter A. , Bonnet L. , Etienne P. , Terrer E. , Jacquot B. , Levallois B. , Tassery H. , Cuisinier F. J. G. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWhite lesions represent an early phase of caries formation. 20 human sound premolars were subjected to pH cycling procedure to induce subsurface lesions (SLs) in vitro. In addition, 2 teeth with naturally developed white spot lesions (WSLs) were used as references. All specimens characterized by confocal Raman microscopy being used for the first time in examining white & subsurface lesions and providing a high resolution chemical and morphological map based on phosphate peak intensity alterations at 960 cm−1. Nanoindentation technique was used to measure Hardness (H) and Young’s modulus (E) of enamel. Phosphate map of examined samples exhibited presence of intact surface layer (ISL) followed by severe depletion in (PO43−) peak in the area corresponding to the body of the lesion. In all examined groups, the mechanical properties of enamel were decreased in lesion area and found to be inversely related to penetration depth of indenter owing to enamel hierarchical structure. By combining the above two techniques, we linked mechanical properties of enamel to its chemical composition and ensured that the two methods are highly sensitive to detect small changes in enamel composition. Further work is required to bring these two excellent tools to clinical application to perceive carious lesions at an early stage of development.
Reflections on the CLIVAR Early Career Scientists Symposium 2016
Authors: Swart Neil C. , Busecke Julius , Langendijk Gaby , Reed Kevin A. , Kang Sarah M. , Behrens Erik , Frassoni Ariane , Baker Noel C. , Durgadoo Jonathan V. , Dike Victor N. , Nath Debashis 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe present a summary report of the CLIVAR Early Career Scientists Symposium, a three-day event associated with the CLIVAR Open Science Conference held in Qingdao, China during September 2016. The Symposium aimed to capture the ideas of early career researchers on pressing science priorities, imminent challenges, and emerging opportunities to help guide the future evolution of CLIVAR. We identified the need for improving process-based understanding and predictability of regional climate variability and change, moving toward seamless predictions, and improving and expanding global observations. We emphasize the need for increasingly open science, including universal access to data, code, and publications as well as opportunities for international cooperation and exchange. As the next generation of climate scientists, we are dedicated to overcome the challenges outlined in this summary and are looking forward to advancing CLIVAR’s mission and activities.
Cardiac-specific inducible overexpression of human plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase 4b is cardioprotective and improves survival in mice following ischemic injury
Authors: Sadi Al Muktafi , Afroze Talat , Siraj M. Ahsan , Momen Abdul , White-Dzuro Colin , Zarrin-Khat Dorrin , Handa Shivalika , Ban Kiwon , Kabir M. Golam , Trivieri Maria G. , Gros Robert , Backx Peter , Husain Mansoor 
Published: February 2018

Background: Heart failure (HF) is associated with reduced expression of plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase 4 (PMCA4). Cardiac-specific overexpression of human PMCA4b in mice inhibited nNOS activity and reduced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting calcineurin. Here we examine temporally regulated cardiac-specific overexpression of hPMCA4b in mouse models of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) ex vivo, and HF following experimental myocardial infarction (MI) in vivo.
Methods and results: Doxycycline-regulated cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression and activity of hPMCA4b produced adaptive changes in expression levels of Ca2+-regulatory genes, and induced hypertrophy without significant differences in Ca2+ transients or diastolic Ca2+ concentrations. Total cardiac NOS and nNOS-specific activities were reduced in mice with cardiac overexpression of hPMCA4b while nNOS, eNOS and iNOS protein levels did not differ. hMPCA4b-overexpressing mice also exhibited elevated systolic blood pressure vs. controls, with increased contractility and lusitropy in vivo. In isolated hearts undergoing IRI, hPMCA4b overexpression was cardioprotective. NO donor-treated hearts overexpressing hPMCA4b showed reduced LVDP and larger infarct size versus vehicle-treated hearts undergoing IRI, demonstrating that the cardioprotective benefits of hPMCA4b-repressed nNOS are lost by restoring NO availability. Finally, both pre-existing and post-MI induction of hPMCA4b overexpression reduced infarct expansion and improved survival from HF.
Conclusions: Cardiac PMCA4b regulates nNOS activity, cardiac mass and contractility, such that PMCA4b overexpression preserves cardiac function following IRI, heightens cardiac performance and limits infarct progression, cardiac hypertrophy and HF, even when induced late post-MI. These data identify PMCA4b as a novel therapeutic target for IRI and HF.
A Cross-Sectional Study on the Hearing Threshold Levels Among People in Qinling, Qinghai, and Nanjing, China
Authors: Wang Junguo , Qian Xiaoyun , Chen Jie , Yang Ye , Gao Xia 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the hearing threshold among different age groups, genders, and geographic areas in China to provide some insight into the appropriate clinical interventions for hearing loss.

Method
Using a systematic random sampling technique, 562 participants from Qinling, Qinghai, and Nanjing were included. Participants in the same area were divided into 3 groups according to their age. Pure-tone audiometric thresholds were measured at octave and interoctave frequencies of 0.125–16 kHz for each subject.

Results
There were significant differences in auditory thresholds at nearly all frequencies among young, middle-aged, and elderly people, and hearing thresholds increased with increasing age. People generally had the best hearing ability in Nanjing, better hearing ability in Qinghai, and the worst hearing ability in Qinling. Significant differences in hearing thresholds were found between males and females at several frequencies in Qinling.

Conclusion
People living in the rural area of Qinling in China had higher hearing threshold levels, particularly males, and hearing thresholds increased with age.
Design and development of fault classification algorithm based on relevance vector machine for power transformer
Authors: Patel Dharmesh , Chothani Nilesh. G , Mistry Khyati D , Raichura Maulik 
Published: February 2018

Identification of faults within power transformers is the means of ensuring unit transformer protection. Existing relay maloperates during abnormalities such as magnetising inrush, CT saturation and high resistance internal fault condition. Therefore, it is essential to categorise the internal fault and external abnormality/fault in case of transformer protection. This study presents a new scheme, based on relevance vector machine (RVM) as a fault classifier. The developed algorithm is assessed by simulating various disorders on 345 MVA, 400/220 kV transformer in PSCAD/EMTDC software and also on prototype model with 2 kVA, 230/110 V multi‐tapping transformer. One cycle post fault current signals are captured from primary and secondary to form feature vectors. These feature vectors are used as an input to RVM for classification of various test cases. Wide variation in system parameters and fault conditions are considered for test data generation and validation. The proposed scheme is compared with the support vector machine (SVM) and probabilistic neural network (PNN)‐based techniques. The proposed scheme successfully discriminates various types of internal faults and external abnormalities in power transformer within a short time. The fault classification accuracy obtained by proposed RVM technique is more than 99% in comparison to SVM and PNN‐based schemes.
Isolated high step‐up DC–DC converter with integrated cascade structure
Authors: Lu Junlong , Wang Yi , Li Xin 
Published: February 2018

In this study, an isolated high step‐up DC–DC converter with integrated cascade structure is proposed. The converter structure is equivalent to that of a cascade consisting of a boost converter and an isolated buck–boost converter. Compared with existing converters, the proposed converter can achieve a higher voltage gain with a lower transformer turn ratio. In addition, the integrated structure makes the controller more reliable and the system more compact. As the leakage inductance energy of the transformer is released to the output capacitors, the voltage spike caused by leakage inductance can be avoided, thereby reducing the voltage stress of the switches. Moreover, the zero‐voltage switching (ZVS) operation improves the conversion efficiency and the continuous input current makes a small peak current. This study discusses the operating principles of the discontinuous and continuous conduction modes in detail. The theoretical derivation of the proposed converter is provided, and the ZVS principle and conditions are presented. Finally, a prototype circuit with 40 V input voltage, 500 V output voltage, and 200 W output power is implemented to verify the validity of the theoretical analysis and the performance of the proposed converter.
Antiangiogenic Activity and Cytotoxicity of Triterpenoids and Homoisoflavonoids from Massonia pustulata and Massonia bifolia
Authors: Schwikkard Sianne , Whitmore Hannah , Corson Timothy , Sishtla Kamakshi , Langat Moses , Carew Mark , Mulholland Dulcie 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe Hyacinthaceae family (sensu APGII), with approximately 900 species in around 70 genera, plays a significant role in traditional medicine in Africa as well as across Europe and the Middle and Far East. The dichloromethane extract of the bulbs of Massonia pustulata (Hyacinthaceae sensu APGII) yielded two known homoisoflavonoids, (R)-5-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxybenzyl)-7-methoxy-4-chromanone 1 and 5-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxybenzyl)-7-methoxy-4-chromone 2 and four spirocyclic nortriterpenoids, eucosterol 3, 28-hydroxyeucosterol 4 and two previously unreported triterpenoid derivatives, (17S,23S)-17α,23-epoxy-3β,22β,29-trihydroxylanost-8-en-27,23-olide 5, and (17S, 23S)-17α,23-epoxy-28,29-dihydroxylanost-8-en-3-on-27,23-olide 6. Compounds 1, 2, 3, and 5 were assessed for cytotoxicity against CaCo-2 cells using a neutral red uptake assay. Compounds 1, 2, and 5 reduced cell viability by 70% at concentrations of 30, 100, and 100 µM, respectively. Massonia bifolia yielded three known homoisoflavonoids, (R)-(4′-hydroxy)-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-4-chromanone 1, (R)-(4′-hydroxy)-5,7-dihydroxy-4-chromanone 7 and (R)-(3′-hydroxy-4′-methoxy)-5,7-dihydroxy-4-chromanone 9, two previously unreported homoisoflavonoids, (E)-3-benzylidene-(3′,4′-dihydroxy)-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-4-chromanone 8 and (R)-(3′,4′-dihydroxy)-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-4-chromanone 10, and a spirocyclic nortriterpenoid, 15-deoxoeucosterol 11. Compounds 1, 1Ac, 7, 8, 9, and 10 were screened for antiangiogenic activity against human retinal microvascular endothelial cells. Some compounds showed dose-dependent antiproliferative activity and blocked endothelial tube formation, suggestive of antiangiogenic activity.
Nonoperative Treatment of Appendicitis during Pregnancy in a Remote Area
Authors: Carstens Anne-Kathrine , Fensby Lise , Penninga Luit 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAppendicitis is the most common nonobstetric surgical disease during pregnancy. Appendicitis during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and perforation compared with the general population. Furthermore, it may cause preterm birth and fetal loss, and quick surgical intervention is the established treatment option in pregnant women with appendicitis. In Greenland, geographical distances are very large, and weather conditions can be extreme, and surgical care is not always immediately available. Hence, antibiotic treatment is often initiated as a bridge-to-surgery. We report on a pregnant Greenlandic Inuit woman with appendicitis who was treated with intravenous antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment was successful before surgical care became available and the patient was not operated. No complications occurred, and further pregnancy was uneventful. Our case suggests that antibiotic treatment of appendicitis during pregnancy as a bridge-to-surgery may be a sensible treatment option in remote areas, where no surgical care is immediately available. In some cases, antibiotic treatment may turn out to be definitive treatment.
Compressive Neuropathy of the Ulnar Nerve in the Hypothenar Region by Lipoma: Case Report
Authors: de Magalhães Marcelo José Silva , Oliva Henrique Nunes Pereira , Nunes Bruno Lopes 
Published: February 2018

AbstractLipomas are well-defined tumors of the adipose tissue that often occur in the torso or the extremities of adult patients. These tumors usually develop painlessly and insidiously, but they may compress adjacent structures. The objective of the present study is to describe the case of a 68-year-old female patient with a giant lipoma located at the hypothenar region, with manifestation of compression of the common palmar digital nerves, the ulnar nerve, and the abductor muscle of the V finger. Regarding the symptoms, the patient felt moderate pain in the hypothenar region, with no Tinel sign, and no changes in the motor function or sensibility of the digits innervated by the ulnar nerve. Lipomas may present a varied range of histological characteristics, and malignant tumors may be a differential diagnosis. An imaging exam may aid in the diagnosis, which is confirmed by a histopathological study. For the present case, as recommended in the literature, a surgical procedure was performed for the resection of the tumor, which resulted in the control of the symptoms.
Nonmodal Clinical Decision Support and Antimicrobial Restriction Effects on Rates of Fluoroquinolone Use in Uncomplicated Infections
Authors: Gunn Lundy , Tunney Robert , Kelly Kimberly 
Published: February 2018

Background Medication alert overrides remain persistently high over the past decade, influenced by factors such as “alert fatigue” and lack of provider acceptance.
Objective We compared the aggregate rate of fluoroquinolone (FQ) prescribing for the treatment of acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in adult inpatients prior to (historical control group) and after (prospective intervention group) implementation of a program requiring indication when ordering FQ antibiotics in combination with a nonmodal best-practice alert regarding the latest U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendations. We then compared rates of prescribing among provider type, severity of infection, and patient age.
Methods Qualified orders were defined as new FQ orders for acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis, and uncomplicated UTI for adult inpatients between July 2016 through September 2016 (control) or November 2016 through January 2017 (intervention). The primary endpoint was a provider-initiated FQ order for a target indication. Secondary endpoints included FQ orders by provider type and patient age. Rates of FQ use among the target indications were compared between groups by chi-square test of independence with Yates' correction in the analysis of the primary endpoint and Fisher's exact test for secondary endpoints.
Results FQ prescribing for acute bronchitis, and uncomplicated UTI occurred at a rate of 86/350 (24.6%) and 62/394 (15.7%) in the control and experimental groups, respectively (p = 0.0035). No patients receiving FQ qualified for a diagnosis of acute sinusitis.
Conclusion A program combining FQ restriction in combination with nonmodal messaging may have decreased the rate of prescribing for acute bronchitis and uncomplicated UTI, although the contributions of each individual element could not be rigorously assessed.