bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate-glutathione cycle enzymes confer drought tolerance of Amaranthus tricolor
Authors: Sarker Umakanta , Oba Shinya 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe study was performed to explore physiological, non-enzymatic and enzymatic detoxification pathways of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tolerance ofAmaranthus tricolorunder drought stress. The tolerant genotype VA13 exhibited lower reduction in growth, photosynthetic pigments, relative water content (RWC) and negligible increment in electrolyte leakage (EL), lower increment in proline, guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX) activity compared to sensitive genotype VA15. This genotype also had higher catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), remarkable and dramatic increment in ascorbate-glutathione content, ascorbate-glutathione redox and ascorbate-glutathione cycle enzymes activity compared to sensitive genotype VA15. The negligible increment of ascorbate-glutathione content, ascorbate-glutathione redox and ascorbate-glutathione cycle enzymes activities and dramatic increment in malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and EL were observed in the sensitive genotype VA15. SOD contributed superoxide radical dismutation and CAT contributed H2O2detoxification in both sensitive and tolerant varieties, however, these had a great contribution in the tolerant variety. Conversely, proline and GPOX accumulation were higher in the sensitive variety compared to the tolerant variety. Increase in ascorbate-glutathione cycle enzymes activities, CAT, ascorbate-glutathione content, SOD, and ascorbate-glutathione redox clearly evident that CAT, ascorbate-glutathione cycle and SOD played a significant activity in ROS detoxification of tolerantA. tricolorvariety.
Emergence of ozone recovery evidenced by reduction in the occurrence of Antarctic ozone loss saturation
Authors: Kuttippurath J. , Kumar P. , Nair P. J. , Pandey P. C. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIndustrial emissions of ozone depleting substances (ODSs) during the second half of the twentieth century have led to one of the most visible human impacts on the Earth: the Antarctic ozone hole. The ozone loss intensified in the 1980s and reached the level of saturation (i.e., complete loss of ozone) due to the high levels of ODSs in the atmosphere. Significant changes in the southern hemispheric climate have been observed in the past decades due to this unprecedented ozone loss. Although the most recent studies suggest healing in the Antarctic ozone hole, the status of ozone in the loss saturation layer (~13–21 km) has not been discussed in detail. Here, a comprehensive analysis of vertical, spatial and temporal evolution of ozone loss saturation (ozone mixing ratio ≤ 0.1 ppmv) in the Antarctic vortex using high resolution measurements for the 1979–2017 period reveals that the loss saturation began in 1987 and continued to occur in all winters thereafter, except in the major warming winters of 1988 and 2002. However, our analysis shows a clear reduction in the frequency of occurrence of ozone loss saturation over the period 2001–2017 consistently throughout various datasets (e.g., ozonesonde and satellite measurements of ozone profiles and total columns), thereby revealing the emergence of an important milestone in ozone recovery.
Minimally Detectable Change and Minimal Clinically Important Difference of a Decline in Sentence Intelligibility and Speaking Rate for Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Stipancic Kaila L. , Yunusova Yana , Berry James D. , Green Jordan R. 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the minimally detectable change (MDC) and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of a decline in speech sentence intelligibility and speaking rate for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We also examined how the MDC and MCID vary across severities of dysarthria.

Method

One-hundred forty-seven patients with ALS and 49 healthy control subjects were selected from a larger, longitudinal study of bulbar decline in ALS, resulting in a total of 650 observations. Intelligibility and speaking rate in words per minute (WPM) were calculated using the Sentence Intelligibility Test (Yorkston, Beukelman, & Hakel, 2007), and the ALS Functional Rating Scale–Revised (Cedarbaum et al., 1999) was administered to capture patient perception of motor impairment. The MDC at the 95% confidence level was estimated using the following formula: MDC
95
= 1.96 × √2 ×
SEM
. For estimation of the MCID, receiver operating characteristic curves were generated, and area under the curve and optimal thresholds to maximize sensitivity and specificity were calculated.

Results
The MDC for sentence intelligibility was 12.07%, and the MCID was 1.43%. The MDC for speaking rate was 36.57 WPM, and the MCID was 8.80 WPM. Both MDC and MCID estimates varied with severity of dysarthria.

Conclusions
The findings suggest that declines greater than 12% sentence intelligibility and 37 WPM are required to be outside measurement error and that these estimates vary widely across dysarthria severities. The MDC and MCID metrics used in this study to detect real and clinically relevant change should be estimated for other measures of speech outcomes in intervention research.
Detecting the imprint of a kilonova or supernova in short gamma-ray burst afterglows
Authors: Guessoum N. , Zitouni H. , Mochkovitch R. 
Published: November 2018

Context. Short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) result from mergers of two neutron stars or from collapsars, but probably at a smaller rate. In the first case, a kilonova occurs while in the second case a Type Ic supernova is expected.
Aims. Even if future observations of kilonovae in association with gravitational wave events provide better data, detecting a kilonova during an afterglow follow-up would remain useful for exploring the diversity of the kilonova phenomenon. As supernovae produce a weaker gravitational signal, afterglow follow-up will be the only possible method to find one. In this work, we identify the conditions of the burst energy, external density, kilonova mass, supernova luminosity, that are necessary for the detection of a kilonova or supernova in the follow-up of short GRB afterglows.
Methods. We have used a simple kilonova model to obtain the peak luminosities and times as a function of mass, expansion velocity and ejected matter opacity. Afterglow light curves are computed for a uniform medium and a stellar wind, in the kilonova and supernova cases, respectively.
Results. We represent, using diagrams of the burst kinetic energy vs. density of the external medium, the domains where the kilonova or supernova at maximum is brighter than the afterglow. In the kilonova case we vary the mass, the jet opening angle and the microphysics parameters; for supernovae, we consider SN 98bw-like and ten times dimmer events, and again vary the jet opening angle and the microphysics parameters.
Association of Daily Step Count with the Prolonged Air Leak in Thoracic Surgery Patients
Authors: Kavurmaci Önder , Ozdil Ali , Akçam Tevfik Ilker , Ergonul Ayse Gul , Turhan Kutsal , Cakan Alpaslan , Cagirici Ufuk 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Background In thoracic surgery clinics, patients are encouraged to walk; however, to our knowledge, there is no data regarding the minimum step count necessary to protect them from complications. In our study, we aim to ascertain the relationship between walking and prolonged air leak (PAL), which is one of the most common complications following thoracic surgery.
Methods Patients, who were being followed-up at our clinic between December 2016 and July 2017, were separated into three groups and were investigated prospectively. The groups were established as follows: Group I, included patients with spontaneous pneumothorax; Group II, comprised patients who were applied sublobar lung resection; and Group III, comprised (pneumonectomy excluded) patients who were applied anatomic lung resection. All the patients were supplied with a standard pedometer. The step counts of the patients were recorded prospectively, beginning from the first postoperative day, and an attempt was made to establish the relationship between the patients' daily and mean step counts and the development of PAL.
Results PAL developed in 11 (39.29%) of the 28 patients in Group I; in 1 (2.04%) of the 49 patients in Group II and in 22 (36.07%) of the 61 patients in Group III. When receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was applied to the data of Group I, and when the cut-off value for the first-day step count was confirmed to be 2,513 steps, it was revealed that the development of PAL could be determined with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 100%. The analysis of the patients in Group III revealed significant correlations between the first-day and second-day step counts, and the development of PAL (p = 0.017 and 0.007, respectively). The development of PAL decreased as walking was maximized.
Conclusion Early and sufficient mobilization decreases the likelihood of postoperative complications. Our study defines concepts, such as post-operative daily step count, target step count, and step count protecting from PAL, and in this regard, we consider it to be a primary study in the literature.
Endoscopic Management of Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Diaz Ramon , Davalos Gerardo , Guerron Alfredo 
Published: November 2018

Background Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The primary diagnostic and therapeutic tool is endoscopy. New devices are being developed and employed that facilitate the management of this pathology. In this review, we show the status of endoscopic management of digestive hemorrhage, current practices, and future directions.
Methods We explore the management of patients with GIB (upper and lower). Besides, we analyzed the diagnostic methods in occult digestive hemorrhage. We show the evidence collected so far, and how each therapeutic method can be applied.
Results GIB constitutes a challenge for the attending physician. Different therapeutic procedures are available. Less invasive devices have a role in the diagnosis but not therapy. The use of risk stratification is well established for upper bleeding, but for lower bleeding, there is still no evidence to support the use of these scores. Knowledge of altered anatomy is crucial in special populations.
Conclusion A variety of procedures are available for the treatment of GIB. Emphasis should be placed on less invasive diagnostic techniques as well as on new and more efficient therapies. Attention should be given to the initial management, with timely diagnosis and effective resuscitation to decrease the morbidity and mortality.
Classification of Pediatric Supracondylar Fractures: Comparison between the Gartland and the Lagrange & Rigault Classifications
Authors: Grazina Rita , Oliveira Márcio , Marinhas José , Ferreira Andreia , Costa André , Rodrigues Domingues , Santos Mafalda 
Published: November 2018

Background The supracondylar fracture of the humerus is one of the most common fractures in pediatric age. Many classifications were proposed, with Gartland being the most widely used one and Lagrange and Rigault (L&R) the most used in French-speaking countries.
Objectives The goal of this study was to compare the Wilkins-modified Gartland classification with the L&R classification in terms of reproducibility.
Methods Three observers with similar training levels classified 35 fractures according to both classifications twice to evaluate both intra and interobserver variation.
Results The mean intraobserver variation was 0.78 and 0.77 for Gartland and L&R classifications, respectively, and the mean interobserver variation was 0.55 and 0.62 for Gartland and L&R classifications, respectively.
Conclusions Both classifications reveal adequate to usage in clinical and investigational practices, which is consistent with the literature.
Marginal protein stability drives subcellular proteome isoelectric point
Authors: Loell Kaiser , Nanda Vikas 
Published: November 2018

SignificanceThe rules of protein design are often derived from analyzing the properties of natural proteins. However, unlike designed proteins, natural proteins are the product of long evolutionary histories, confounding efforts to identify which properties are directly related to function versus those that are a by-product of the evolutionary process. We critically examine the observation that the isoelectric point—the pH at which proteins have no net charge—correlates with the pH of the subcellular environment occupied by that protein. This correlation is not due to adaptive selection, but is a by-product of neutral evolution. This insight can be used to understand the evolution of proteins at a range of pH and design molecules for such environments.
Catalytic enzymes are active matter
Authors: Jee Ah-Young , Cho Yoon-Kyoung , Granick Steve , Tlusty Tsvi 
Published: November 2018

SignificanceCatalysis and mobility of reactants in fluid are normally thought to be decoupled. Violating this classical paradigm, this paper presents the catalyst laws of motion. Comparing experimental data to the theory presented here, we conclude that part of the free energy released by chemical reaction is channeled into driving catalysts to execute wormlike trajectories by piconewton forces performing work of a fewkBTagainst fluid viscosity, where the rotational diffusion rate dictates the trajectory persistence length. This active motion agitates the fluid medium and produces antichemotaxis, the migration of catalyst down the gradient of the reactant concentration. Alternative explanations of enhanced catalyst mobility are examined critically.
Differential GABA concentration gradients are present in the edible parts of greenhouse melon (Cucumis melo L.) during all four seasonal croppings
Authors: Toyoizumi Tomoyasu , Ohba Seiji , Fujii Kyo-suke , Ikegaya Atsushi , Matsuura Hideyuki , Nakajima Teruko 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACT
Food-derived gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) exhibits health-promoting benefits, and melon contain high GABA concentrations. Greenhouse melons (Cucumis melo L. “Earl’s Favorite”) cultivated in Japan have identical or more edible parts than cultivars in other countries, however GABA distribution and the effects of seasonal variations are unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate GABA concentration gradients in four seasonal melons and how glutamic acid (Glu) influences the establishment of these gradients. GABA concentration was significantly lower near the exocarp than in the peduncle, equator, and remnant style regions in most seasons. Glu and GABA concentrations showed similar trends and were significantly correlated near the remnant style. No significant differences in GABA and Glu concentration were detected at concyclic sites across horizontal sections. These data indicate that GABA and Glu concentration differs substantially along a vertical melon section, but less so along a horizontal section, among sampling regions, sites, and cropping season.
Biochemical and thermodynamic analyses of energy conversion in extremophiles
Authors: Wakai Satoshi 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACT
A variety of extreme environments, characterized by extreme values of various physicochemical parameters (temperature, pressure, salinity, pH, and so on), are found on Earth. Organisms that favorably live in such extreme environments are called extremophiles. All living organisms, including extremophiles, must acquire energy to maintain cellular homeostasis, including extremophiles. For energy conversion in harsh environments, thermodynamically useful reactions and stable biomolecules are essential. In this review, I briefly summarize recent studies of extreme environments and extremophiles living in these environments and describe energy conversion processes in various extremophiles based on my previous research. Furthermore, I discuss the correlation between the biological system of electrotrophy, a third biological energy acquisition system, and the mechanism underlying microbiologically influenced corrosion. These insights into energy conversion in extremophiles may improve our understanding of the “limits of life”.
Abbreviations: PPi: pyrophosphate; PPase: pyrophosphatase; ITC: isothermal titration microcalorimetry; SVNTase: Shewanella violacea 5ʹ-nucleotidase; SANTase: Shewanella amazonensis 5ʹ-nucleotidase
Training intensity relative to ventilatory thresholds determines cardiorespiratory fitness improvements in sedentary adults with obesity
Authors: Guio de Prada Valle , Ortega Juan Fernando , Ramirez‐Jimenez Miguel , Morales‐Palomo Felix , Pallares Jesús G. , Mora‐Rodriguez Ricardo 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to study if training intensity relative to ventilatory thresholds (VTs) determines the improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in middle‐aged sedentary individuals with obesity. Before and after 16‐weeks of HIIT (43‐min alternating bouts at 70/90% of HRMAX), oxygen consumption (O2) and heart rate (HR) at ventilatory threshold 1 (O2VT1, HRVT1), ventilatory threshold 2 (O2VT2, HRVT2) and at maximal effort (O2MAX, HRMAX) were assessed during a graded cycle‐ergometer exercise test. Retrospectively, participants were divided into two groups based on whether training intensities were under (UNDER; n = 39) or over (OVER; n = 37) VT1 and VT2. At baseline, age, body composition, O2VT1, O2VT2, and HRMAX were similar in both groups. However, O2MAX was higher in OVER (P = 0.033), whereas HRVT1 and HRVT2 were higher in UNDER (P < 0.05). O2MAX (9.0%) and HRMAX (2.2%) improved similarly in both groups. O2VT1 and O2VT2 improved with training in both groups (P < 0.001) but the improvement was larger in OVER versus UNDER in O2VT1 (P = 0.013) and tended to be higher in O2VT2 (P = 0.068). HRVT1 increased only in OVER (P < 0.001), whereas HRVT2 did not change in any group (P = 0.248). A 16‐week programme of HIIT improves O2MAX similarly in individuals training at intensities over or under their VTs. However, individuals training over their VTs showed a larger improvements in O2VT1 expanding exercise workloads fuelled by oxidative metabolism.
Deriving an Adolescent Executive Behavior Screener from the Behavior Assessment System for Children—2
Authors: Wong Ryan E , Sakaluk John K , Garcia-Barrera Mauricio A 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveTypical executive functioning (EF) measurements do not reflect the complexity of daily life. We derived an executive behavior screener from the BASC-2-PRS-A using a previously derived four-component model of EF and provided support for the use of the screener in adolescent populations.MethodsA total of 2,722 census-matched American adolescents were sampled. We assigned 25 items a priori to four executive factors (problem solving, attentional control, behavioral control, and emotional control) and evaluated via confirmatory factor analysis, invariance testing and differential item functioning (DIF) models.ResultsWe found acceptable-to-good reliability and that the four-factor model had the best fit. We showed DIF for age and socioeconomic status (SES). While groups were invariant based on sex, latent mean comparisons showed significant differences.ConclusionsConstruct validity of the adolescent four-factor model as measured through the screener was supported. Females demonstrated fewer executive behavior problems. Standardized norms are available and split by age and sex. SES may influence the interpretation of T-scores. Continued exploration and development of the screener is suggested.
Membrane cholesterol and substrate stiffness co-ordinate to induce the remodelling of the cytoskeleton and the alteration in the biomechanics of vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Sanyour Hanna J , Li Na , Rickel Alex P , Childs Josh D , Kinser Courtney N , Hong Zhongkui 
Published: November 2018

Aims
Cholesterol not only deposits in foam cells at the atherosclerotic plaque, but also plays an important role as a regulator of cell migration in atherogenesis. In addition, the progression of atherosclerosis leads to arterial wall stiffening, and thus altering the micromechanical environment of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in vivo. Our studies aim to test the hypothesis that membrane cholesterol and substrate stiffness co-ordinate to regulate VSMCs biomechanics, and thus potentially regulate VSMCs migration and atherosclerotic plaque formation.

Methods and results
Methyl-β-cyclodextrin was used to manipulate membrane cholesterol content in VSMCs isolated from the descending thoracic aorta of male Sprague-Dawley rats and cultured on Type I collagen-coated polyacrylamide gel substrates with varying stiffness. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to determine VSMCs stiffness and integrin-fibronectin (FN) adhesion. The alignment of submembranous actin filaments was visualized with AFM and confocal microscopy. The constriction force of rat aorta was measured ex vivo using a multi-wire myograph system. Our results demonstrated that cholesterol-depletion and substrate-softening induced a significant decrease in VSMCs stiffness and adhesion to FN, as well as cytoskeletal disorganization. In addition, the contractile force of rat aorta was reduced upon cholesterol-depletion. Cholesterol-enrichment resulted in an increase in stiffness, adhesion to FN, cytoskeletal organization of VSMCs compared with the cholesterol-depleted cells, and enhanced contractile force of rat aortas compared with the cholesterol-depleted vessel rings.

Conclusion
Cell membrane cholesterol and substrate stiffness synergistically affect VSMCs elastic modulus (E-modulus) by regulating the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. Except for the 3.5 kPa gel substrate, cholesterol-depletion decreased VSMCs-FN adhesion force, adhesion loading rate, cytoskeletal orientation, and E-modulus compared with the control VSMCs. Conversely, cholesterol-enrichment significantly increased cytoskeleton orientation, stiffness, and VSMCs-FN cell adhesion force compared with both control and cholesterol-depleted VSMCs on a soft substrate.
Non-dispensing pharmacists’ actions and solutions of drug therapy problems among elderly polypharmacy patients in primary care
Authors: Hazen Ankie C M , Zwart Dorien L M , Poldervaart Judith M , de Gier Johan J , de Wit Niek J , de Bont Antoinette A , Bouvy Marcel L 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the process of clinical medication review for elderly patients with polypharmacy performed by non-dispensing pharmacists embedded in general practice. The aim was to identify the number and type of drug therapy problems and to assess how and to what extent drug therapy problems were actually solved.

Method
An observational cross-sectional study, conducted in nine general practices in the Netherlands between June 2014 and June 2015. On three pre-set dates, the non-dispensing pharmacists completed an online data form about the last 10 patients who completed all stages of clinical medication review. Outcomes were the type and number of drug therapy problems, the extent to which recommendations were implemented and the percentage of drug therapy problems that were eventually solved. Interventions were divided as either preventive (aimed at following prophylactic guidelines) or corrective (aimed at active patient problems).

Results
In total, 1292 drug therapy problems were identified among 270 patients, with a median of 5 (interquartile range 3) drug therapy problems per patient, mainly related to overtreatment (24%) and undertreatment (21%). The non-dispensing pharmacists most frequently recommended to stop medication (32%). Overall, 83% of the proposed recommendations were implemented; 57% were preventive, and 35% were corrective interventions (8% could not be assessed). Almost two-third (64%) of the corrective interventions actually solved the drug therapy problem.

Conclusion
Non-dispensing pharmacists integrated in general practice identified a large number of drug therapy problems and successfully implemented a proportionally high number of recommendations that solved the majority of drug therapy problems.