bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic obesity: next-generation sequencing results of 1230 patients with obesity
Authors: Kleinendorst Lotte , Massink Maarten P G , Cooiman Mellody I , Savas Mesut , van der Baan-Slootweg Olga H , Roelants Roosje J , Janssen Ignace C M , Meijers-Heijboer Hanne J , Knoers Nine V A M , Ploos van Amstel Hans Kristian , van Rossum Elisabeth F C , van den Akker Erica L T , van Haaften Gijs , van der Zwaag Bert , van Haelst Mieke M 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundObesity is a global and severe health problem. Due to genetic heterogeneity, the identification of genetic defects in patients with obesity can be time consuming and costly. Therefore, we developed a custom diagnostic targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based analysis to simultaneously identify mutations in 52 obesity-related genes. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic yield of this approach in patients with suspected genetic obesity.MethodsDNA of 1230 patients with obesity (median BMI adults 43.6 kg/m2; median body mass index-SD children +3.4 SD) was analysed in the genome diagnostics section of the Department of Genetics of the UMC Utrecht (The Netherlands) by targeted analysis of 52 obesity-related genes.ResultsIn 48 patients pathogenic mutations confirming the clinical diagnosis were detected. The majority of these were observed in theMC4Rgene (18/48). In an additional 67 patients a probable pathogenic mutation was identified, necessitating further analysis to confirm the clinical relevance.ConclusionsNGS-based gene panel analysis in patients with obesity led to a definitive diagnosis of a genetic obesity disorder in 3.9% of obese probands, and a possible diagnosis in an additional 5.4% of obese probands. The highest yield was achieved in a selected paediatric subgroup, establishing a definitive diagnosis in 12 out of 164 children with severe early onset obesity (7.3%). These findings give a realistic insight in the diagnostic yield of genetic testing for patients with obesity and could help these patients to receive (future) personalised treatment.
A study on the laminate pattern of high-strength composites applied to the ship
Authors: Yoon Sung-Won , Kwon Yong-Won , Ha Jong-Rok , Kim Myung-Hyun , Kim Yun-Hae 
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study is to determine the correct estimation of laminate patterns for high-strength composites applied to a ship. Recently, the need for developing a ship component has been increasing to improve the capability of maritime operations. Composites with excellent specific strength and specific stiffness are emerging as next-generation materials. In the composite material, the mechanical properties vary depending on the laminated pattern of the reinforcing material. Therefore, in this study, the properties of the composite materials were calculated using the computer simulation program. The ply calibration performance results show that the initial values of the mechanical properties of the carbon/epoxy composites in the E11 direction are higher than the calculated values, and the remaining values are the same. The laminate mechanics results show that the tensile strength in the S11T direction was 1515 MPa, which is almost the same as the initial value of 1500 MPa.
Early Screening for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Inpatient Detoxification and Motivation Treatment: Results and Consequences
Authors: Proescholdt Margit G. , Müller Sandra E. , Vogel Marc , Lang Undine , Wiesbeck Gerhard A. , Breit Wilhelm , Linde Andreas , Walter Marc , Odenwald Michael 
Published: July 2018

<b><i>Aims:</i></b> Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant comorbidity in substance use disorders (SUDs). While most studies have addressed trauma/PTSD in abstinent patients, little is known about trauma/PTSD in early detoxification treatment. The current study therefore addresses the systematic evaluation of trauma/PTSD in early inpatient detoxification. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A cross-sectional survey was accomplished in three German-speaking clinics (<i>n</i> = 134) specialized in inpatient detoxification and motivation treatment. All measures are based on self-report using trauma-specific questionnaires and measures for general psychopathological burden. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Participation rate was 60.1% and patients did not show clinically obvious psychological distress during or after assessment. DSM-IV traumatic events were reported by 66.4%. Of the total sample, 38.1% screened positive for PTSD, and 14.9% screened positive for subsyndromal PTSD. PTSD patients reported significantly more childhood adversities and significantly higher scores in depression and ­general psychopathology compared to subsyndromal PTSD and SUD-only patients. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Early and systematic evaluation of PTSD in SUD inpatient detoxification treatment is largely safe and yields important information for individual treatment. The high PTSD-rate and the high symptom load in SUD patients during inpatient detoxification treatment highlight the need for a more stringent address of trauma/PTSD in early SUD treatment.
The Potential Role of Atmospheric Bores and Gravity Waves in the Initiation and Maintenance of Nocturnal Convection over the Southern Great Plains
Authors: Parsons David B. , Haghi Kevin R. , Halbert Kelton T. , Elmer Blake , Wang Junhong 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis investigation explores the relationship among bores, gravity waves, and convection within the nocturnal environment through the utilization of measurements taken during the International H2O Project (IHOP_2002) over the Southern Great Plains. The most favorable conditions for deep convection were found to occur within the boundary layer during the late afternoon and early evening hours in association with the diurnal cycle of solar insolation. At night, the layers most favorable for deep convection occur at and above the height of the nocturnal southerly low-level jet in association with distinct maxima in both the southerly and westerly components of the wind. Observations taken during the passage of 13 nocturnal wave disturbances over a comprehensive profiling site show the average maximum and net upward displacements with these waves were estimated to be ~900 and ~660 m, respectively. The lifting was not limited to the stable boundary layer, but reached into the conditionally unstable layers aloft. Since the net upward displacements persisted for many hours as the disturbances propagated away from the convection, areas well in excess of 10 000 km2 are likely impacted by this ascent. This lifting can directly maintain existing convection and aid in the initiation of new convection by reducing the convective inhibition in the vicinity of the active convection. In agreement with past studies, strong ascent in the lowest ~1.5 km was generally consistent with the passage of a bore. However, separate wave responses also occurred well above the bores, and low-frequency gravity waves may explain such disturbances.
Divergent Responses of Extratropical Atmospheric Circulation to Interhemispheric Dipolar SST Forcing over the Two Hemispheres in Boreal Winter
Authors: Xue Jiaqing , Sun Cheng , Li Jianping , Mao Jiangyu , Nakamura Hisashi , Miyasaka Takafumi , Xu Yidan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractGlobal sea surface temperature (SST) evolution exhibits an antiphase variation between the two hemispheres that is referred to as the SST interhemispheric dipole (SSTID) mode. The impacts of the SSTID on extratropical atmospheric circulation in boreal winter are explored by both regression analysis and SST-forced numerical simulations. The responses of extratropical circulation to SSTID thermal forcing bear an equivalent barotropic structure. For the Southern Hemisphere (SH), positive SSTID events lead to a meridional dipolar perturbation in sea level pressure (SLP), similar in pattern to the positive southern annular mode (SAM). Although SSTID-forced SLP anomalies over the Northern Hemisphere (NH) do not exhibit a zonally symmetric pattern as is the case over the SH, they still show signs of a meridional dipole opposite to the SH over the oceans. Divergent circulation responses to SSTID forcing between the two hemispheres are suggested to be associated with contrasting storm-track variations. Positive SSTID events weaken oceanic fronts in both the North Atlantic and North Pacific, and thus lead to the decline of NH storm-track activity by decreasing atmospheric baroclinicity. In the SH, positive SSTID events correspond to the enhancement of SH transients by intensifying the Antarctic polar-frontal zone. Additionally, local baroclinic energy conversions are diagnosed to explain the SSTID-related storm-track variations over both hemispheres. Finally, an investigation of transient eddy feedback indicates that the SSTID mode modulates extratropical atmospheric circulation, primarily by regulating storm tracks and changing the corresponding eddy feedback.
Modeling the Snowpack Energy Balance during Melt under Exposed Crop Stubble
Authors: Harder Phillip , Helgason Warren D. , Pomeroy John W. 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
On the Canadian Prairies, agricultural practices result in millions of hectares of standing crop stubble that gradually emerges during snowmelt. The importance of stubble in trapping wind-blown snow and retaining winter snowfall has been well demonstrated. However, stubble is not explicitly accounted for in hydrological or energy balance snowmelt models. This paper relates measurable stubble parameters (height, width, areal density, and albedo) to the snowpack energy balance and snowmelt with the new, physically based Stubble–Snow–Atmosphere Model (SSAM). Novel process representations of SSAM quantify the attenuation of shortwave radiation by exposed stubble, the sky and vegetation view factors needed to solve longwave radiation terms, and a resistance scheme for stubble–snow–atmosphere fluxes to solve for surface temperatures and turbulent fluxes. SSAM results were compared to observations of radiometric snow-surface temperature, stubble temperature, snow-surface solar irradiance, areal-average turbulent fluxes, and snow water equivalent from two intensive field campaigns during snowmelt in 2015 and 2016 over wheat and canola stubble in Saskatchewan, Canada. Uncalibrated SSAM simulations compared well with these observations, providing confidence in the model structure and parameterization. A sensitivity analysis conducted using SSAM revealed compensatory relationships in energy balance terms that result in a small increase in net snowpack energy as stubble exposure increases.
Azithromycin enhances anticancer activity of TRAIL by inhibiting autophagy and up‐regulating the protein levels of DR4/5 in colon cancer cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Qiao Xinran , Wang Xiaofei , Shang Yue , Li Yi , Chen Shu‐zhen 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundAzithromycin is a member of macrolide antibiotics, and has been reported to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. However, the underlying mechanisms are not been fully elucidated. Tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) selectively targets tumor cells without damaging healthy cells. In the present study, we examined whether azithromycin is synergistic with TRAIL, and if so, the underlying mechanisms in colon cancers.MethodsHCT‐116, SW480, SW620 and DiFi cells were treated with azithromycin, purified TRAIL, or their combination. A sulforhoddamine B assay was used to examine cell survival. Apoptosis was examined using annexin V‐FITC/PI staining, and autophagy was observed by acridine orange staining. Western blot analysis was used to detect protein expression levels. In mechanistic experiments, siRNAs were used to knockdown death receptors (DR4, DR5) and LC‐3B. The anticancer effect of azithromycin and TRAIL was also examined in BALB/c nude mice carrying HCT‐116 xenografts.ResultsAzithromycin decreased the proliferation of HCT‐116 and SW480 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Combination of azithromycin and TRAIL inhibited tumor growth in a manner that could not be explained by additive effects. Azithromycin increased the expressions of DR4, DR5, p62 and LC‐3B proteins and potentiated induction of apoptosis by TRAIL. Knockdown of DR4 and DR5 with siRNAs increased cell survival rate and decreased the expression of cleaved‐PARP induced by the combination of azithromycin and TRAIL. LC‐3B siRNA and CQ potentiated the anti‐proliferation activity of TRAIL alone, and increased the expressions of DR4 and DR5.ConclusionThe synergistic antitumor effect of azithromycin and TRAIL mainly relies on the up‐regulations of DR4 and DR5, which in turn result from LC‐3B‐involved autophagy inhibition.
Model of the telegraph line and its numerical solution
Authors: Veigend Petr , Nečasová Gabriela , Šátek Václav 
Published: July 2018

Abstract This paper deals with a model of the telegraph line that consists of system of ordinary differential equations, rather than partial differential telegraph equation. Numerical solution is then based on an original mathematical method. This method uses the Taylor series for solving ordinary differential equations with initial condition - initial value problems in a non-traditional way. Systems of ordinary differential equations are solved using variable order, variable step-size Modern Taylor Series Method. The Modern Taylor Series Method is based on a recurrent calculation of the Taylor series terms for each time interval. The second part of paper presents the solution of linear problems which comes from the model of telegraph line. All experiments were performed using MATLAB software, the newly developed linear solver that uses Modern Taylor Series Method. Linear solver was compared with the state of the art solvers in MATLAB and SPICE software.
Consecutive successful pregnancies of a patient with nail-patella syndrome
Authors: Fadiloglu Erdem , Unal Canan , Orgul Gokcen , Tanacan Atakan , Beksac Mehmet Sinan 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Nail-patella syndrome is a genetic disorder with some characteristic features (nail dysplasia, patellar hypoplasia, elbow dysplasia, iliac horns and renal symptoms). Renal involvement of these patients requires close follow-up in pregnancy to avoid complications like preeclampsia. In this report, we have presented two consecutive successful pregnancies of a patient with nail-patella syndrome. The first pregnancy resulted with a newborn with nail-patella syndrome and the second pregnancy resulted in a healthy newborn without any obstetric complications. Renal functions were closely followed-up during both pregnancies, and basal renal functions were normal in the pregestational period, which seems to be the most important predictor of obstetric hypertensive complications. Prenatal diagnosis of nail-patella disease is also challenging due to several possible mutations and a wide range of phenotypes of the disease. Ultrasonographic examination findings may be suspicious for the disease in the fetus like patellar hypoplasia or joint contractures.
Lignin linked to slow biodegradability of urea-crosslinked starch in an anaerobic soil environment
Authors: Majeed Zahid , Mansor Nurlidia , Ajab Zainab , Man Zakaria , Sarwano Ariyanti , Ahmad Basharat , Hussain Zahid 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
For slowing fast solubility and increasing the period of urea’s release in soil, urea-crosslinked starch (UcS) was prepared and applied as a slow release fertilizer. The higher environmental biodegradability of UcS is a major drawback for slow release of urea yet it provides an important challenge for large scale production and application on anaerobic farm lands. Hence, in order to reduce biodegradability of UcS, impregnation of UcS with 5–20 wt% of lignin is proposed. Lignin impregnated UcS was buried for a maximum period of 28–64 days under a constructed anaerobic soil environment. Hill’s model predicted that mineralization of UcS by lignin would be reduced by 5.48%. Microbial growth on UcS was inhibited by lignin at the rate of 0.84 day−1. The α-amylase activity was retarded in response to UcS impregnation with lignin at the rate of 810.94 μg h−1 g−1 soil. Lignin also showed improvement in half-life of UcS up to 0.51 days. This work concluded that lignin impregnation was an efficient approach for improvement of UcS through increasing resistance against natural biodegraders.
Fabrication of radially aligned electrospun nanofibers in a three-dimensional conical shape
Authors: Vong Michel , Radacsi Norbert 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
This paper reports on the rapid fabrication of radially-aligned, three-dimensional conical structures by electrospinning. Three different polymers, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Polystyrene and Polyacrylonitrile were used to electrospin the cones. These cone structures are spreading out from a vertical conductive pillar, which can be arbitrarily placed on specific part of the collector. The lower part of the cone is clearly defined on the collector, and the cone has a relatively uniform radius around the pillar. The cones are constituted of fibers that are radially aligned towards the top of the pillar, but there is no apex and the fibers fall flat on the top of the pillar surface. A parametric study has been performed to investigate the effects of the pillar morphology (height and thickness) and the electrospinning parameters (applied voltage and working distance) on the overall shape and size of the cone structure, as well as the fiber alignment. The pillar morphology influences directly the cone diameter and height. The electrospinning parameters have little effect on the cone structure. The formation mechanism has been identified to be related to the shape of the electric field, which has been systematically simulated to understand the effect of the electric field lines on the final dimensions of the cone structure.
Towards understanding the role of ectomycorrhizal fungi in forest phosphorus cycling : a modelling approach
Authors: Bortier Michiel F. , Andivia Enrique , Genon José G. , Grebenc Tine , Deckmyn Gaby 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Many studies have shown the importance of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EM) in forests both for nutrient availability and for carbon (C) and nutrient cycling in the soil. Yet so far they are not incorporated in forest ecosystem growth and yield models. Recent research suggests phosphorus (P) shortage could be a major constraints to forest productivity in the future. For a realistic simulation of future forest ecosystem functioning, inclusion of detailed soil P cycling and the trees-EM interaction is necessary. We developed a full ecosystem P model that simulates P uptake by roots and EM, allocation within trees, physiological deficiency effects on C assimilation and allocation, release through litter decomposition, coupled with water, C and nitrogen (N) fluxes accounted for in the mechanistic forest stand model ANAFORE. Our results confirm the importance of incorporating EM in forest ecosystem models and suggest that the lack of incorporation of P in models may result in an under- or overestimation of forest growth. This new model has the potential of being used to assess the response of trees and/or stands to nutrient availability under different climate and management scenarios. With the current parameterization it is functional as a scientific research tool to investigate hypotheses.
Molecular Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Authors: Popovska Savelina L. , Dineva Tereza B. , Damyanova Polina D. 
Published: July 2018

Summary
Lung cancer is still the leading cancer-related cause of death with a high incidence rate in the whole world. Treatment options – surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the stage of the disease. During the last decade, many molecular alterations were discovered that led to impressive changes in treatment. Personalized approaches, including target therapies with specific inhibitor drugs, became a part of the standard therapies. This article reviews current molecular biomarkers used in clinical practice to treat lung cancer patients.
Measurement and Comparison of Costs of Hypertensive Patients Aged 40-89 Years Treated with Lisinopril and Perindopril
Authors: Simeonova Joana I. , Tisheva-Gospodinova Snejanka T. , Todorova Yoana M. , Hristova Petkana A. , Yanakieva Asia N. , Hristov Martin I. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryA cross-sectional study was carried out in 2016 in the research project No 4/2016. We selected 98 patients aged 40-89 and diagnosed with hypertension. The patients were admitted to Cardiology Clinic One of the University Hospital in Pleven. The study aimed to measure and compare direct and indirect costs of hypertensive patients aged 40-89 years, who were treated with lisinopril and perindopril. We estimated the total and average costs of 50 (51.0%) patients treated with lisinopril and 48 (49.0%) treated with perindopril. Males were 46.4%, and the mean age of the sample was 65.9.0±11.2 years. Data were processed by Statistical Package for Social Science version 19.0 (SPSS.v.19.0). Total costs exceeded amount reimbursed for the clinical path (BGN 420.00) in 64.6% of the patients treated with perindopril and 48.0% of the patients treated with lisinopril. We found that treatment costs within 6-months after discharge were BGN 673.82 in patients treated with lisinopril, as compared to BGN 171.92 reimbursed by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), and BGN 781.18 for those treated with perindopril, compared to BGN 216.33 reimbursed by NHIF. The NHIF reimbursement rate for antihypertensive treatment is insufficient to cover all direct costs. Increased hospital costs and out-of-pocket payments present a significant restriction on access to treatment for arterial hypertension.
Laboratory Assessment of Thyroid Function in Patients with Proteinuria
Authors: Gencheva-Angelova Irena I. , Ruseva Adelaida L. , I.Pastuhov Juli 
Published: July 2018

Summary
Significant losses of functional proteins such as hormones and hormone-binding proteins are seen in patients suffering from proteinuria. Studies have reported loss of thyroid hormones and thyroxine-binding globulin in the urine. There is evidence that subclinical hypothyroidism is six times more common in patients with proteinuria than in healthy people. The parameters of the effect of proteinuria on thyroid function have not been fully studiedyet.We investigated 74 patients with qualitatively established proteinuria, of whom 34 men and 40 women, without diagnosed thyroid disease. The average age of the patients was 60.9 years. We tested 20 free controls for free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), creatinine and albumin in serum, and the quantity of urine protein. The mean results found for TSH were higher in the patients with proteinuria than in those of the controls (2.719 mU/l vs 1.78 mU/l). For FT4, the mean result in the patients with proteinuria was 17.04 pmol/l vs 16.39 pmol/l. in the controls. A correlation was sought between TSH and FT4 levels and all the laboratory parameters we tested. Patients with proteinuria had higher TSH levels, probably due to the loss of thyroid hormones in the urine. However, these losses cannot lead to clinically proven hypothyroidism.