bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in carbon flux and spectral reflectance of Sphagnum mosses as a result of simulated drought
Authors: Lees Kirsten J. , Clark Joanna M. , Quaife Tristan , Khomik Myroslava , Artz Rebekka R. E. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSphagnum is an important peat‐forming genus, which aids the carbon sequestration of peatlands. Sphagnum is sensitive to drought; however, and it is uncertain how well it can recover from long periods without rainfall. Spectral reflectance can be used to assess Sphagnum desiccation damage, and we also tested whether it can be used to detect recovery. Different rainfall simulations were applied to two species of Sphagnum to assess the impact of drought on carbon function. After 80 days all samples were rewetted to assess recovery. The rainfall simulations included inputs analogous to actual precipitation at the field site (Forsinard Flows reserve, Northern Scotland), potential future changes in rainfall, and extended total drought. During the experiment gross primary productivity and respiration were measured. Photosynthesis decreased after approximately 30 days of continuous drought (i.e., days without rain). Spectral reflectance was measured to assess Sphagnum bleaching. The spectral absorption feature of Sphagnum associated with red light (around 650 nm) was affected by drought and did not recover after rewetting during the experimental period. No significant difference was found between the two Sphagnum species studied with respect to their photosynthesis or respiration, but there was a significant difference in optimum water content and spectral reflectance between the two. The results from this study suggest that Sphagnum carbon function is resilient to quite long drought periods, but once damage has occurred recovery is likely to be difficult. The spectral reflectance of Sphagnum can give useful information in assessing whether significant desiccation damage has occurred.
Design of experiments as a valuable tool for biopharmaceutical analysis with (imaged) capillary isoelectric focusing
Authors: Kahle Julia , Stein Matthias , Wätzig Hermann 
Published: June 2019

AbstractCapillary isoelectric focusing is indispensable for characterizing charge heterogeneity and isoelectric points of biopharmaceuticals. However, there are many influencing parameters and therefore method development is challenging. This study was performed to obtain an in‐depth understanding of the imaged CIEF methodology by applying a design of experiments approach. To describe the parameter's effects as objectively as possible, a polynomial regression model was derived for the most important responses. For this purpose, the reference monoclonal antibody suggested by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NISTmAb) was used as test molecule. The total concentration and the mixing ratio of two types of carrier ampholytes and the added amounts of urea and l‐arginine were selected as factors. The effects of these factors on 13 different responses such as resolution or pI values were investigated. In order to reduce the total number of experiments, a d‐optimal design with 20 different parameter combinations and six replicates each was chosen. The most significant effects of the four factors were shown for the parameters related to separation efficiency and peak position. In addition, the extent of the factor's effect could be assessed. Depending on the selected factor combination, the pI value can differ up to approximately 0.15 pI units and the resolution value between main peak and adjacent basic peak can range from approximately 1.6 to 2.5, for example.
A vehicle's weight‐based prioritized reciprocity MAC
Authors: Lang Ping , Wang Jian , Mei Fang , Deng Weiwen 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn vehicular ad hoc networks, vehicles compete for channel access through the medium access control protocol to transmit messages. Most traditional medium access methods assign the same probability to all vehicles accessing the channel and ignore the intrinsic attributes of different vehicles. Attributes regarding the position and role of a vehicle are important factors to be considered when a vehicle is competing for the channel. In this paper, we introduce a new notion of a weight factor in a fair medium access game and propose a game model to adjust each node's channel access probability with complete information in the vehicular environment based on the weight factors of vehicles. The weight of a vehicle represents a specific property, such as the distance between vehicles, the vehicle's role, and so on, which can be used to distinguish priorities of different vehicles during channel competition. We also provide instances of relevant applications by using the distance between vehicles and a vehicle's role. Then, we analyze the incomplete information game in which each node cannot acquire the previous channel access probabilities of other nodes. Moreover, we construct a distributed best‐response learning algorithm based on the medium access game model and demonstrate that the game can converge to a unique and stable equilibrium under certain conditions. Furthermore, we investigate some performance indicators such as channel access delay and normalized throughput and perform extensive numerical analyses compared with the IEEE 802.11p protocol and an existing game‐based medium access control algorithm without consideration of weights. The performance comparison of high‐priority nodes and all nodes in a network is also studied. Finally, we analyze the effects of the proportion of high‐priority nodes on the performance of the channel. The performance improvement after introducing the weight factor is verified by these numerical results.
Optimization of atmospheric pressure chemical ionization triple quadropole mass spectrometry (MS Nose 2) for the rapid measurement of aroma release in vivo
Authors: Hatakeyama Jun , Taylor Andrew J. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe use of on‐line mass spectrometry to measure aroma release from model systems, or from people consuming food or beverages, delivers time‐based aroma release curves that relate better to sensory perception. The technique allows the rapid analysis of the headspace above foods as well as the measurement of the performance of flavour systems in manufactured foods during consumption. The data obtained can give quick insights into the potential success of a flavouring and on‐line mass spectrometry is widely used in the food and flavour industries. The speed of data acquisition, sensitivity to a wide range of chemical compounds, and resolution of compounds with the same nominal mass are recurring issues for on‐line analysis. Here, we present a study of the performance of an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source connected to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Fast data acquisition could be achieved with little loss of ion signal but with slightly increased noise. In ‘Multiple Reaction Monitoring’ mode, sensitivity increased appreciably for six out of the seven compounds tested, and changing the collision energy of the system produced different mass spectral patterns for six compounds with the same nominal mass. The application of some of these techniques to coffee analysis identified the challenges and approaches needed to provide an in‐depth analysis for real samples.
Novel technique for the direct closure of the radial forearm flap donor site defect with a local bilobed flap
Authors: Mashrah Mubarak Ahmed , Lingjian Yan , Handley Thomas Peter , Pan Chaobin , Weiliang Chen 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe donor site defect remains the major disadvantage of the radial forearm free flap (RFFF). The purpose of this case series was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a local bilobed flap in direct closure of the RFFF donor site defect.MethodsBetween February 2017 and July 2017, a prospective study was designed with 13 patients who had undergone RFFF reconstruction of the oral cavity. The primary purpose was to assess the effectiveness and safety of a bilobed flap closure of the RFFF donor site with primary healing. The late endpoint was to evaluate functional morbidity of the donor hand by comparing preoperative and postoperative outcomes.ResultsThe donor site defect healed primarily in 12 of the 13 patients. A small area of skin necrosis (4%) developed in one patient, which was managed conservatively and healed by secondary intention. A significant reduction of wrist extension (mean difference [MD] = 2.64°, P = .01) and grip strength (MD = 3.68 kg, P = .04) was observed between preoperative and postoperative measurements. No statistically significant difference was observed regarding flexion, radial deviation, ulnar deviation, supination, pronation and pinch strength (P > .05).ConclusionsThe bilobed flap is a reliable and effective method for closure of a RFFF donor site defect, ≤5 cm in greatest length. The advantages are excellent regional skin color match and avoidance of a second donor site and its inherent complications.
A school fluoride varnish program for Aboriginal children in rural New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Dimitropoulos Yvonne , Gwynne Kylie , Blinkhorn Anthony , Holden Alexander 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIssue addressedAustralian Aboriginal children are less likely to access preventive oral health services such as fluoride varnish. The regular application of fluoride varnish can prevent dental caries. This study aims to determine if a school‐based fluoride varnish program can provide Aboriginal children with at least three fluoride varnish applications over 12 months and whether the routine application of fluoride varnish for Aboriginal children in schools is a feasible approach for oral health promotion in Aboriginal communities.MethodsA school fluoride varnish program was co‐designed with Aboriginal communities in Central Northern New South Wales, Australia and implemented in three schools where majority of enrolled children are Aboriginal. Four “fluoride varnish days,” 3 months apart, were held at each school over the 12‐month study period. On each “fluoride varnish day” an oral health therapist applied fluoride varnish to all children included in the study.ResultsThis study took place between January and December 2017. About 153 children were eligible to participate and 131 (86%) were consented into the program by a parent or guardian. A total of 104 children were enrolled for the entire 12‐month study period and included in the analysis. Majority of children (65.4%) received at least three fluoride varnish applications, with an average of 70% of students receiving an application of fluoride varnish on each “fluoride varnish day.”ConclusionsSchool‐based fluoride varnish programs, co‐designed with local Aboriginal communities, may be a feasible approach to oral health promotion aimed at improving the oral health of Aboriginal children.SummaryThis study aimed to improve access to fluoride varnish for Aboriginal children in Central Northern NSW. Four “fluoride varnish days,” each three months apart, were held in three schools over 12 months. Majority of children (65.4%) received at least three fluoride varnish applications during the fluoride varnish program.
p53‐induced long non‐coding RNA PGM5‐AS1 inhibits the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through regulating miR‐466/PTEN axis
Authors: Zhihua Zhao , Weiwei Wang , Lihua Niu , Jianying Zhang , Jiang Guozhong 
Published: June 2019

AbstractA growing body of evidence suggests that long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) is aberrantly expressed in human cancer and linked to cancer initiation and development. We previously identified Homo sapiens PGM5 antisense RNA 1 (PGM5‐AS1) as a novel esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC)‐related lncRNA by performing high‐throughput RNA sequencing. However, its clinical implication and biological function in ESCC are still uncharacterized. In the present study, we found that PGM5‐AS1 was frequently downregulated in ESCC tissues, plasma, and cell lines, and low PGM5‐AS1 expression was positively correlated with poor differentiation, advanced tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, and lymph node metastasis. Importantly, PGM5‐AS1 was identified to be an effective diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for ESCC patients. Functional experiments revealed that exogenous expression of PGM5‐AS1 significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ESCC cells in vitro as well as tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, PGM5‐AS1 was transcriptionally activated by p53 and it could directly interact with and sequester miR‐466 to elevate PTEN expression, thereby inhibiting ESCC progression. Overall, our data indicate that PGM5‐AS1 is a novel tumor suppressor in ESCC and restoration of PGM5‐AS1 may be a promising avenue for treatment of ESCC patient.
Spectral histopathology of the lung: A review of two large studies
Authors: Diem Max , Ergin Ayşegül , Mu Xinying 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThis paper summarizes results from two large lung cancer studies comprising over 700 samples that demonstrate the ability of spectral histopathology (SHP) to distinguish cancerous tissue regions from normal tissue, to differentiate benign lesions from normal tissue and cancerous lesions, and to classify lung cancer types. Furthermore, malignancy‐associated changes can be identified in cancer‐adjacent normal tissue. The ability to differentiate a multitude of normal cells and tissue types allow SHP to identify tumor margins and immune cell infiltration. Finally, SHP easily distinguishes small cell lung cancer (SCLC) from non‐SCLC (NSCLC) and provides a further differentiation of NSCLC into adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas with an accuracy comparable of classical histopathology combined with immunohistochemistry. Case studies are presented that demonstrates that SHP can resolve interobserver discrepancies in standard histopathology.
Growth differentiation factor 11 locally controls anterior–posterior patterning of the axial skeleton
Authors: Suh Joonho , Eom Je‐Hyun , Kim Na‐Kyung , Woo Kyung Mi , Baek Jeong‐Hwa , Ryoo Hyun‐Mo , Lee Se‐Jin , Lee Yun‐Sil 
Published: June 2019

AbstractGrowth and differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is a transforming growth factor β family member that has been identified as the central player of anterior–posterior (A–P) axial skeletal patterning. Mice homozygous for Gdf11 deletion exhibit severe anterior homeotic transformations of the vertebrae and craniofacial defects. During early embryogenesis, Gdf11 is expressed predominantly in the primitive streak and tail bud regions, where new mesodermal cells arise. On the basis of this expression pattern of Gdf11 and the phenotype of Gdf11 mutant mice, it has been suggested that GDF11 acts to specify positional identity along the A–P axis either by local changes in levels of signaling as development proceeds or by acting as a morphogen. To further investigate the mechanism of action of GDF11 in the vertebral specification, we used a Cdx2‐Cre transgene to generate mosaic mice in which Gdf11 expression is removed in posterior regions including the tail bud, but not in anterior regions. The skeletal analysis revealed that these mosaic mice display patterning defects limited to posterior regions where Gdf11 expression is deficient, whereas displaying normal skeletal phenotype in anterior regions where Gdf11 is normally expressed. Specifically, the mosaic mice exhibited seven true ribs, a pattern observed in wild‐type (wt) mice (vs. 10 true ribs in Gdf11−/− mice), in the anterior axis and nine lumbar vertebrae, a pattern observed in Gdf11 null mice (vs. six lumbar vertebrae in wt mice), in the posterior axis. Our findings suggest that GDF11, rather than globally acting as a morphogen secreted from the tail bud, locally regulates axial vertebral patterning.
Exome sequencing revealed a p.G299R mutation in the COMP gene in an Iranian family suffering from pseudoachondroplasia
Authors: Ansari Hossein , Mohammadi‐Asl Javad , Hajjari Mohammadreza , Tahmasebi‐Birgani Maryam , Kollaee Abolghasem , Jassemi‐zergani Farzad , Vakili‐Hajiagha Amin 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundShort‐stature (SS) is multifactorial pathologic condition that originates from either genetic or environmental factors. The diagnosis is based on family history, clinical findings, radiological examination and genetic analysis. A variety of genes have been reported for SS, among which FGFR‐3 was the main gene in achondroplasia and hypochondroplasia. In other forms of SS, the gene involved varies from one patient to another. Whole exome sequencing (WES) and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) have recently introduced a growing body of genes annually. The present study performed a WES analysis on an Iranian family suffering from an inherited form of SS aiming to diagnose the causative gene. The father and all of his four sons were diagnosed as SS.MethodsThe blood samples were collected from the proband and his available family members. Genomic DNA was extracted using salting‐out method. The DNA of the proband was analyzed using WES and confirmed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐sequencing. The WES‐extracted variant was evaluated in silico using software aiming to determine whether this nucleotide change is pathogenic. The presence of the variant was traced in other affected family members using PCR‐sequencing.ResultsFollowing segregation analysis, variant c.896 G>A of the COMP gene was found in all of the affected individuals in a heterozygous form. This variant resulted in substitution of glycine 299 with arginine and was previously predicted as pathogenic in the Human Gene Mutation Database dataset, although it represents the first report in Iran.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study suggest consideration of the c.896 G>A variant of the COMP gene with respect to the genetic counseling of inherited skeletal dysplasia in Iran.
AMP‐activated protein kinase signaling regulated expression of urea cycle enzymes in response to changes in dietary protein intake
Authors: Heibel Sandra K. , McGuire Peter J. , Haskins Nantaporn , Majumdar Himani D. , Rayavarapu Sree , Nagaraju Kanneboyina , Hathout Yetrib , Brown Kristy , Tuchman Mendel , Caldovic Ljubica 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAbundance of urea cycle enzymes in the liver is regulated by dietary protein intake. Although urea cycle enzyme levels rise in response to a high‐protein (HP) diet, signaling networks that sense dietary protein intake and trigger changes in expression of urea cycle genes have not been identified. The aim of this study was to identify signaling pathway(s) that respond to changes in protein intake and regulate expression of urea cycle genes in mice and human hepatocytes. Mice were adapted to either HP or low‐protein diets followed by isolation of liver protein and mRNA and integrated analysis of the proteomic and transcriptomic data. HP diet led to increased expression of mRNA and enzymes in amino acid degradation pathways and decreased expression of mRNA and enzymes in carbohydrate and fat metabolism, which implicated adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) as a possible regulator. Primary human hepatocytes, treated with 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR) an activator of AMPK, were used to test whether AMPK regulates expression of urea cycle genes. The abundance of carbamoylphosphate synthetase 1 and ornithine transcarbamylase mRNA increased in hepatocytes treated with AICAR, which supports a role for AMPK signaling in regulation of the urea cycle. Because AMPK is either a target of drugs used to treat type‐2 diabetes, these drugs might increase the expression of urea cycle enzymes in patients with partial urea cycle disorders, which could be the basis of a new therapeutic approach.
Expanding the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of branched‐chain amino acid transferase 2 deficiency
Authors: Knerr Ina , Colombo Roberto , Urquhart Jill , Morais Ana , Merinero Begona , Oyarzabal Alfonso , Pérez Belén , Jones Simon A. , Perveen Rahat , Preece Mary A. , Rogers Yvonne , Treacy Eileen P. , Mayne Philip , Zampino Giuseppe , MacKinnon Sabrina , Wassmer Evangeline , Yue Wyatt W. , Robinson Ian , Rodríguez‐Pombo Pilar , Olpin Simon E. , Banka Siddharth 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe first step in branched‐chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism is catalyzed by the two BCAA transferase isoenzymes, cytoplasmic branched‐chain amino acid transferase (BCAT) 1, and mitochondrial BCAT2. Defects in the second step of BCAA catabolism cause maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), a condition which has been far more extensively investigated. Here, we studied the consequences of BCAT2 deficiency, an ultra‐rare condition in humans. We present genetic, clinical, and functional data in five individuals from four different families with homozygous or compound heterozygous BCAT2 mutations which were all detected following abnormal biochemical profile results or familial mutation segregation studies. We demonstrate that BCAT2 deficiency has a recognizable biochemical profile with raised plasma BCAAs and, in contrast with MSUD, low‐normal branched‐chain keto acids (BCKAs) with undetectable l‐allo‐isoleucine. Interestingly, unlike in MSUD, none of the individuals with BCAT2 deficiency developed acute encephalopathy even with exceptionally high BCAA levels. We observed wide‐ranging clinical phenotypes in individuals with BCAT2 deficiency. While one adult was apparently asymptomatic, three individuals had presented with developmental delay and autistic features. We show that the biochemical characteristics of BCAT2 deficiency may be amenable to protein‐restricted diet and that early treatment may improve outcome in affected individuals. BCAT2 deficiency is an inborn error of BCAA catabolism. At present, it is unclear whether developmental delay and autism are parts of the variable phenotypic spectrum of this condition or coincidental. Further studies will be required to explore this.
The influence of tooth location on the outcomes of multiple adjacent gingival recessions treated with coronally advanced flap: A multicenter re‐analysis study
Authors: Zucchelli Giovanni , Tavelli Lorenzo , Barootchi Shayan , Stefanini Martina , Rasperini Giulio , Valles Cristina , Nart José , Wang Hom‐Lay 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundTooth location has been shown to play a significant role on root coverage outcomes. However, whether this has an impact on the outcomes of coronally advanced flap (CAF) for treating multiple adjacent gingival recessions (MAGRs) remains to be determined. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of tooth location, flap design, and flap extension on the outcomes of MAGRs following CAF with or without a connective tissue graft (CTG).MethodsA re‐analysis of six previously published clinical trials evaluating the outcomes of CAF in the treatment of MAGRs was performed using mixed regression and logistics to assess the influence of potentially influential factors on the treatment outcomes.ResultsSix hundred and nine MAGRs in 166 patients were evaluated. The anterior maxilla (second sextant) was associated to the highest mean root coverage (mRC) and complete root coverage (CRC) outcome (P < 0.05). In addition, the maxillary teeth showed significantly greater mRC and CRC than teeth in the mandible (with the lower anterior [fifth sextant] showing the lowest outcomes) (P < 0.05). A higher mRC was observed for the anterior teeth compared with posterior dentition (P < 0.05). While CAF + CTG achieved better results than CAF alone, no differences were found when the flap was performed with or without vertical releasing incisions (P > 0.05). Lastly, teeth in the distal part of the flap showed lower mRC and CRC than teeth in the central or mesial position (P < 0.05).ConclusionsTooth location was found to play a key role in determining the amount of root coverage achievable, with maxillary canines and incisors being associated with the highest outcomes compared with other sextants. Maxillary MAGRs showed greater mRC and CRC than mandibular MAGRs.