bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silencing SlMED18, tomato Mediator subunit 18 gene, restricts internode elongation and leaf expansion
Authors: Wang Yunshu , Hu Zongli , Zhang Jianling , Yu XiaoHui , Guo Jun-E. , Liang Honglian , Liao Changguang , Chen Guoping 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMediator complex, a conserved multi-protein, is necessary for controlling RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription in eukaryotes. Given little is known about them in tomato, a tomato Mediator subunit 18 gene was isolated and named SlMED18. To further explore the function of SlMED18, the transgenic tomato plants targeting SlMED18 by RNAi-mediated gene silencing were generated. The SlMED18-RNAi lines exhibited multiple developmental defects, including smaller size and slower growth rate of plant and significantly smaller compound leaves. The contents of endogenous bioactive GA3 in SlMED18 silenced lines were slightly less than that in wild type. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis indicated that expression of gibberellins biosynthesis genes such as SlGACPS and SlGA20x2, auxin transport genes (PIN1, PIN4, LAX1 and LAX2) and several key regulators, KNOX1, KNOX2, PHAN and LANCEOLATE(LA), which involved in the leaf morphogenesis were significantly down-regulated in SlMED18-RNAi lines. These results illustrated that SlMED18 plays an essential role in regulating plant internode elongation and leaf expansion in tomato plants and it acts as a key positive regulator of gibberellins biosynthesis and signal transduction as well as auxin proper transport signalling. These findings are the basis for understanding the function of the individual Mediator subunits in tomato.
Matched case-control study of the influence of inland waters surrounding poultry farms on avian influenza outbreaks in Japan
Authors: Shimizu Yumiko , Hayama Yoko , Yamamoto Takehisa , Murai Kiyokazu , Tsutsui Toshiyuki 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTo successfully control highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), understanding the risk factors related to the incursion of the virus into poultry farms is essential. In this study, we focused on the presence of inland waters surrounding poultry farms as a potential risk factor of incursion of the virus. To evaluate the influence of inland waters surrounding poultry farms on HPAI outbreaks in Japan, a simple matched case-control study was conducted. The results of the conditional regression analyses indicated that the number of farms with neighbouring inland waters was significantly high among the affected farms during the 2016–2017 outbreak period. These results provide good grounds for strengthening biosecurity management at farms located near inland waters.
Clinical analysis of peri-operative hidden blood loss of elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures treated by unreamed proximal femoral nail anti-rotation
Authors: Li Bohua , Li Jun , Wang Shanxi , Liu Lei 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to quantify the peri-operative blood loss of elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures treated by unreamed proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) and analyze whether the substantial hidden blood loss was induced by initial trauma or the operation. The clinical data of 123 patients with intertrochanteric fracture treated with unreamed PFNA from Jan 2013 to Apr 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Blood routine on admission day (ADM), pre-operative day one (PRE), post-operative days one and three (POD1 and POD3) and the visible blood loss (VBL) were obtained. The total blood loss (TBL) from ADM to POD1 and POD3 were 693.5 ± 359.6 ml and 863.8 ± 429.9 ml, of which the corresponding hidden blood loss (HBL) was 86.8% and 89.4% respectively. The mean TBL and HBL from ADM to PRE (375.5 ± 242.0 ml, 375.5 ± 242.0 ml) were higher than that from PRE to POD1 (318.0 ± 183.4 ml, 226.5 ± 163.2 ml), p < 0.001 respectively. There was no significant difference between HBL from ADM to PRE and HBL from PRE to POD3 (375.5 ± 242.0 ml, 396.7 ± 254.0 ml, p = 0.361). The majority of peri-operative HBL occurred before surgery, it was mainly associated with the initial trauma rather than the operation.
Chemical reaction characteristics, structural transformation and electrochemical performances of new cathode LiVPO4F/C synthesized by a novel one-step method for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Li Qiyuan , Wen Zheng , Fan Changling , Zeng Taotao , Han Shaochang 
Published: February 2018

Uniform LiVPO4F/C primary particles and lattice coated with carbon layer forms at 800 °C. Larger impurity Li3V2(PO4)3/C particles are generated at 850 °C.
Efficient PV‐grid system integration with PV‐voltage‐source converter reactive power support
Authors: Samir Ammar , Taha Mohamed , Sayed Mahmud Muhammad , Ibrahim Ahmed 
Published: February 2018

In this work, a complete model for the integration between the Photovoltaic Distributed Generation System (PV‐DGS) and the utility grid is simulated by MATLAB/SIMULINK. The aims of this study are to provide active power of a given feeder and to improve the output power quality from the PV‐DGS unit. To achieve these aims, Two PV‐arrays with total power yield equal to 200 KW are modeled. The maximum power point tracking based on the perturb and observe technique is used to control the DC‐DC converter. The voltage source converter is controlled to allow the system to operate in different modes. These modes are the unity output power factor and the reactive power compensation. Different control techniques have been applied including the conventional PI controller as well as the intelligent optimization tuning. A complete comparison between both techniques has been introduced and analyzed.
Halo coronal mass ejections during Solar Cycle 24: reconstruction of the global scenario and geoeffectiveness
Authors: Scolini Camilla , Messerotti Mauro , Poedts Stefaan , Rodriguez Luciano 
Published: February 2018

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs), in particular Earth-directed ones, are regarded as the main drivers of geomagnetic activity. In this study, we present a statistical analysis of a set of 53 fast (V ≥ 1000 km·s−1) Earth-directed halo CMEs observed by the SOHO/LASCO instrument during the period Jan. 2009–Sep. 2015, and we then use this CME sample to test the forecasting capabilities of a new Sun-to-Earth prediction scheme for the geoeffectiveness of Earth-directed halo CMEs. First, we investigate the CME association with other solar activity features such as solar flares, active regions, and others, by means of multi-instrument observations of the solar magnetic and plasma properties, with the final aim of identifying recurrent peculiar features that can be used as precursors of CME-driven geomagnetic storms. Second, using coronagraphic images to derive the CME kinematical properties at 0.1 AU, we propagate the events to 1 AU by means of 3D global MHD simulations. In particular, we use the WSA-ENLIL+Cone model to reconstruct the propagation and global evolution of each event up to their arrival at Earth, where simulation results are compared with interplanetary CME (ICME) in-situ signatures. We then use simulation outputs upstream of Earth to predict their impact on geospace. By applying the pressure balance condition at the magnetopause and the coupling function proposed by Newell et al. [J Geophys Res: Space Phys 113 (2008)] to link upstream solar wind properties to the global Kp index, we estimate the expected magnetospheric compression and geomagnetic activity level, and compare our predictions with global data records. The analysis indicates that 82% of the fast Earth-directed halo CMEs arrived at Earth within the next 4 days. Almost the totality of them compressed the magnetopause below geosynchronous orbits and triggered a minor or major geomagnetic storm afterwards. Among them, complex sunspot-rich active regions associated with X- and M-class flares are the most favourable configurations from which geoeffective CMEs originate. The analysis of related Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) events shows that 74% of the CMEs associated with major SEPs were geoeffective, i.e. they triggered a minor to intense geomagnetic storm (Kp ≥ 5). Moreover, the SEP production is enhanced in the case of fast and interacting CMEs. In this work we present a first attempt at applying a Sun-to-Earth geoeffectiveness prediction scheme − based on 3D simulations and solar wind-geomagnetic activity coupling functions − to a statistical set of fast Earth-directed, potentially geoeffective halo CMEs. The results of the prediction scheme are promising and in good agreement with the actual data records for geomagnetic activity. However, we point out the need for future studies performing a fine-tuning of the prediction scheme, in particular in terms of the evaluation of the CME input parameters and the modelling of their internal magnetic structure.
Cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 antagonism prevents experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Di Gennaro Antonio , Araújo Ana Carolina , Busch Albert , Jin Hong , Wågsäter Dick , Vorkapic Emina , Caidahl Kenneth , Eriksson Per , Samuelsson Bengt , Maegdefessel Lars , Haeggström Jesper Z. 
Published: February 2018

Significance
Cysteinyl-leukotrienes (cys-LTs) are lipid mediators involved in human inflammatory diseases, in particular asthma. We have previously identified cys-LTs in tissue specimens of human abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and linked these mediators to increased metalloproteinase activity. Here we show in vivo that antagonism of the CysLT1 receptor by montelukast, an established antiasthma drug, protects against aneurysm in three mouse models of AAA at doses comparable to human medical practice. Together, these data support the role of cys-LTs in AAA and indicate a new potential therapeutic approach for treatment of this clinically silent and highly lethal disease.
The concept of complimenting in light of the Moore language in Burkina Faso
Authors: Sawadogo Mahamadou 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
This paper sheds light on the concept of complimenting, based on its practice in the Moore language spoken in Burkina Faso, West Africa. It revisits Holmes’ (1986) definition of “compliments” and proposes a model which gives new insight into the concept of complimenting behaviour across languages and cultures. The proposed model may have implications for our understanding of politeness strategies as proposed by Brown and Levinson (1987), particularly with the urge to integrate third person in the model, as a close examination of data from Moore would suggest. The data analyzed were collected in naturally occurring discourse.
Taboo effects at the syntactic level
Authors: Pizarro Pedraza Andrea , De Cock Barbara 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis paper analyses the linguistic resources used by speakers to profile the participants in taboo actions, focusing on expressions for the conceptabortar'to abort' in Spanish sociolinguistic interviews. The tokens referring to the action are analysed in terms of linguistic features that affect agentivity at the level of verbs, subjects and objects. The combination of different linguistic features is classified in three levels of agentivity (prototypical agents, non-prototypical agents and non-agents) with various sublevels. The presence of modals further contributes to reducing agentivity, causing the maximally agentive profiling to be rather infrequent. Second, though the direct construalabortaris generally preferred, the levels of agentivity interplay with onomasiological variation. Third, social variables are not significantly correlated with the levels of agentivity. The paper concludes that mitigating agentivity is a euphemistic strategy against the taboo of a fully agentive woman who aborts, based on the cultural conceptualization of unwanted abortion.
Diversity of γ- glutamyl peptides and oligosaccharides, the “kokumi” taste enhancers, in seeds from soybean mini core collections
Authors: Shibata Masayuki , Hirotsuka Motohiko , Mizutani Yukiko , Takahashi Haruya , Kawada Teruo , Matsumiya Kentaro , Hayashi Yukako , Matsumura Yasuki 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Soybeans (Glycine max (L,) Merr,) contain γ-glutamyl peptides and oligosaccharides, and these components play an important role in imparting the “kokumi” taste to foods. To gain insight into the genetic diversities and molecular mechanisms of accumulation of γ-glutamyl peptides and oligosaccharides in soybean, we measured the contents of these components using the Japan and World mini core collections. Similar to other previously reported traits, wide variations were detected among the accessions in the core collections with respect to the content of γ-glutamyl peptides and oligosaccharides. We found a positive relationship between the content of γ-glutamyl tyrosine and γ-glutamyl phenylalanine and between the content of raffinose and stachyose. Furthermore, there were unique accessions that included high levels of γ-glutamyl peptides and oligosaccharides. These accessions may be helpful in understanding the accumulation mechanism of γ-glutamyl peptides and oligosaccharides and to increase the “kokumi” taste components in soybean by performing a genetic analysis.
Comparison of the Standard of Air Leakage in Current Metal Duct Systems in the World
Authors: Di Yuhui , Wang Jiqian , Feng Lu , Li Xingwu , Hu Chunlin , Shi Junshe , Xu Qingsong , Qiao Leilei 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Based on the requirements of air leakage of metal ducts in Chinese design standards, technical measures and construction standards, this paper compares the development history, the classification of air pressure levels and the air tightness levels of air leakage standards of current Chinese and international metal ducts, sums up the differences, finds shortage by investigating the design and construction status and access to information, and makes recommendations, hoping to help the majority of engineering and technical personnel.
StructureMapper: a high-throughput algorithm for analyzing protein sequence locations in structural data
Authors: Nurminen Anssi , Hytönen Vesa P 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Motivation
StructureMapper is a high-throughput algorithm for automated mapping of protein primary amino sequence locations to existing three-dimensional protein structures. The algorithm is intended for facilitating easy and efficient utilization of structural information in protein characterization and proteomics. StructureMapper provides an analysis of the identified structural locations that includes surface accessibility, flexibility, protein–protein interfacing, intrinsic disorder prediction, secondary structure assignment, biological assembly information and sequence identity percentages, among other metrics.

Results
We have showcased the use of the algorithm by estimating the coverage of structural information of the human proteome, identifying critical interface residues in DNA polymerase γ, profiling structurally protease cleavage sites and post-translational modification sites, and by identifying putative, novel phosphoswitches.

Availability and implementation
The StructureMapper algorithm is available as an online service and standalone implementation at http://structuremapper.uta.fi.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Novel aspects of the assembly and activation of inflammasomes with focus on the NLRC4 inflammasome
Authors: Fusco William G , Duncan Joseph A 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Inflammasomes are multiprotein structures that activate caspase-1, support secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and IL-18, and also induce inflammatory programmed cell death, termed pyoptosis. Inflammasomes are activated in response to the detection of endogenous and microbially derived danger signals and are mediated by several classes of inflammasome-forming sensors. These include several nucleotide-binding proteins of the NOD-like receptor (NLR) family, including NLRP1, NLRP3 and NLRC4, as well as the proteins Absent in Melanoma 2 (AIM2) and Pyrin. Mutations in genes encoding some of these sensors have been found to be associated with gain-of-function monogenetic inflammatory disorders in humans. Genetic, biochemical and structural studies have begun to demonstrate how these proteins sense danger signals and to shed light on the step-by-step processes that are necessary for the assembly of inflammasomes, in both physiologic responses to pathogens and potentially in autoinflammatory conditions. Recent biochemical studies of pro-caspase-1 and an adapter protein known as ASC suggest that inflammasomes act to initiate self-generating effector filaments responsible for activating caspase-1 and initiating downstream signaling. These studies have suggested a model of molecular events from sensor activation to inflammasome formation that may describe processes that are universal to inflammasome formation.
Mechanisms controlling nucleic acid-sensing Toll-like receptors
Authors: Miyake Kensuke , Shibata Takuma , Ohto Umeharu , Shimizu Toshiyuki , Saitoh Shin-Ichiroh , Fukui Ryutaro , Murakami Yusuke 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Nucleic acid (NA)-sensing Toll-like receptors (TLRs) respond to DNA/RNA derived from pathogens and dead cells. Structural studies have revealed a variety of molecular mechanisms by which TLRs sense NAs. Double-stranded RNA and single-stranded DNA directly bind to TLR3 and TLR9, respectively, whereas TLR7 and TLR8 bind to nucleosides and oligoribonucleotides derived from RNAs. Activation of ligand-bound TLRs is influenced by the functional status of TLRs. Proteolytic cleavage of NA-sensing TLRs enables ligand-dependent TLR dimerization. Trafficking of ligand-activated TLRs in endosomal and lysosomal compartments is requisite for production of type I interferons. Activation of NA-sensing TLRs is required for the control of viruses such as herpes simplex virus and endogenous retroviruses. On the other hand, excessive activation of NA-sensing TLRs drives disease progression in a variety of inflammatory diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, heart failure, arthritis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. NA-sensing TLRs are targets for therapeutic intervention in these diseases. We here focus on our recent progresses in our understanding of NA-sensing TLRs.
Origin of Syrinx Fluid in Syringomyelia: A Physiological Study
Authors: Heiss John D , Jarvis Katie , Smith René K , Eskioglu Eric , Gierthmuehlen Mortimer , Patronas Nicholas J , Butman John A , Argersinger Davis P , Lonser Russell R , Oldfield Edward H 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The origin of syrinx fluid is controversial.

OBJECTIVE
To elucidate the mechanisms of syringomyelia associated with cerebrospinal fluid pathway obstruction and with intramedullary tumors, contrast transport from the spinal subarachnoid space (SAS) to syrinx was evaluated in syringomyelia patients.

METHODS
We prospectively studied patients with syringomyelia: 22 with Chiari I malformation and 16 with SAS obstruction-related syringomyelia before and 1 wk after surgery, and 9 with tumor-related syringomyelia before surgery only. Computed tomography-myelography quantified dye transport into the syrinx before and 0.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 22 h after contrast injection by measuring contrast density in Hounsfield units (HU).

RESULTS
Before surgery, more contrast passed into the syrinx in Chiari I malformation-related syringomyelia and spinal obstruction-related syringomyelia than in tumor-related syringomyelia, as measured by (1) maximum syrinx HU, (2) area under the syrinx concentration-time curve (HU AUC), (3) ratio of syrinx HU to subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid (CSF; SAS) HU, and (4) AUC syrinx/AUC SAS. More contrast (AUC) accumulated in the syrinx and subarachnoid space before than after surgery.

CONCLUSION
Transparenchymal bulk flow of CSF from the subarachnoid space to syrinx occurs in Chiari I malformation-related syringomyelia and spinal obstruction-related syringomyelia. Before surgery, more subarachnoid contrast entered syringes associated with CSF pathway obstruction than with tumor, consistent with syrinx fluid originating from the subarachnoid space in Chiari I malformation and spinal obstruction-related syringomyelia and not from the subarachnoid space in tumor-related syringomyelia. Decompressive surgery opened subarachnoid CSF pathways and reduced contrast entry into syringes associated with CSF pathway obstruction.
100 Years of Bedsores: How Much Have We Learned?
Authors: Levine Jeffrey M. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT
Just over 100 years ago, an article was published describing a plan to treat decubitus ulcers that can shed light upon medical progress and current practices. Key prevention and treatment elements included a dedicated ward, staff continuity, frequent position changes and special surfaces, cleanliness, disinfectants, and dressing changes. The necessity of resource allocation and interdisciplinary collaboration was acknowledged. This article sheds light on not only how much we have learned, but also how far we have to go.
The Characterization of Plantar Skin Across Environmental Condition and Time
Authors: Wendland Deborah M. , Sprigle Stephen H. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE:
In the presence of pathologic conditions such as diabetes or neuropathy and activity-related forces, the plantar surface of the foot is a common place for skin breakdown. With this risk, foundational knowledge of typical plantar skin behavior is needed. The purpose of this study was to characterize the plantar skin properties (tangential stiffness, normal compliance, and thickness) across environmental condition and time.

DESIGN AND SETTING:
Nonexperimental laboratory design.

PATIENTS:
Sixteen individuals participated (age range, 19–78 years; mean age, 48.5 ± 19.23 years; mean body mass index, 31.5 ± 7.61 kg/m2).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Tangential stiffness, normal compliance, and thickness were assessed with the Tissue Interrogation Device (TID), Myotonometer, and ultrasound, respectively. Measurements were taken at 5 anatomic locations over 4 visits across a day (morning and afternoon), week, and month. Measurements were taken in standard (20° C to 24° C, 35%–50% relative humidity) and shoe conditions (32° C, 66% relative humidity).

MAIN RESULTS:
Tangential stiffness (P = .000), normal compliance (P = .000), and thickness (epidermis, P = .000; dermis, P = .044) all varied by location. No main effect differences were noted across visits or environment across devices. Reliability varied across visits.

CONCLUSIONS:
All 3 skin properties were found to vary across location and people. Given skin property consistency over time and device reliability, it is reasonable to take and compare measurements within a week. Environmental conditions should be reported and controlled in research assessing plantar skin.
The role of race in clinical decision making
Authors: Moscou Susan , Baker Serena 
Published: February 2018

Abstract:
Is race/ethnicity useful in clinical decision making? This article uses a case example to discuss the role of race/ethnicity in clinical decision making, how racial/ethnic categories were developed, potential problems of using racial/ethnic categories, and the difference between risk factors and risk markers. The authors make the argument that using a patient's race/ethnicity in clinical decision making often results in a missed or incorrect diagnosis.