bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel enzymatic single-nucleotide modification of DNA oligomer: prevention of incessant incorporation of nucleotidyl transferase by ribonucleotide-borate complex
Authors: Jang Eui Kyoung , Son Ryeo Gang , Pack Seung Pil 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT), which mediates template-independent polymerization with low specificity for nucleotides, has been used for nucleotide extension of DNA oligomers. One concern is that it is difficult to control the number of incorporated nucleotides, which is a limitation on the use of TdT for single-nucleotide incorporation of DNA oligomers. Herein, we uncovered an interesting inhibitory effect on TdT when ribonucleotide substrates (rNTPs) were employed in a borate buffer. On the basis of unique inhibitory effects of the ribonucleotide–borate complex, we developed a novel enzymatic method for single-nucleotide incorporation of a DNA oligomer with a modified rNTP by TdT. Single-nucleotide incorporation of a DNA oligomer with various modified rNTPs containing an oxanine, biotin, aminoallyl or N6-propargyl group was achieved with a high yield. The ‘TdT in rNTP-borate’ method is quite simple and efficient for preparing a single-nucleotide modified DNA oligomer, which is useful for the design of functional DNA-based systems.
Leptomeningeal dissemination of low-grade neuroepithelial CNS tumors in adults: a 15-year experience
Authors: Karschnia, Philipp , Barbiero Frank J , Schwaiblmair Michaela H , Kaulen Leon D , Piepmeier Joseph M , Huttner Anita J , Becker Kevin P , Fulbright Robert K , Baehring Joachim M 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background
Leptomeningeal dissemination (LD) in adults is an exceedingly rare complication of low-grade neuroepithelial CNS tumors (LGNs). We aimed to determine relative incidence, clinical presentation, and predictors of outcome.

Methods
We searched the quality control database of the Section of Neuro-Oncology, Yale Cancer Center, for patients with LGN (WHO grade I/II) seen between 2002 and 2017. For cases complicated by LD, we recorded demographics, clinical signs, histopathological diagnosis, and imaging findings. A comprehensive literature review was performed.

Results
Eleven consecutive patients with LD were identified, representing 2.3% of individuals with LGN seen at our institution between 2002 and 2017 (n = 475). Ependymoma was the predominant histological entity. Mean time interval from diagnosis of LGN to LD was 38.6 ± 10 months. Symptoms were mostly attributed to communicating hydrocephalus. Tumor deposits of LD were either nodular or linear with variable enhancement (nonenhancing lesions in 4 of 11 patients). Localized (surgery, radiosurgery, involved-field, or craniospinal radiation therapy) or systemic treatments (chemotherapy) were provided. All patients progressed radiographically. Median overall survival after LD was 102 months. Survival was prolonged when a combination of localized and systemic therapies was administered (188.5 vs 25.5 months; P = .03). Demographics and tumor spectrum reported in the literature were similar to our cohort.

Conclusions
LD is a rare complication of LGNs. A high level of suspicion is required for timely diagnosis as early symptoms are nonspecific and commonly do not occur until years after initial tumor diagnosis. Repeated aggressive treatment appears to be beneficial in improving survival.
Ongoing improvements in postoperative survival of glioblastoma in the temozolomide era: a population-based data linkage study
Authors: Johnston Amy , Creighton Nicola , Parkinson Jonathon , Koh Eng-Siew , Wheeler Helen , Hovey Elizabeth , Rodriguez Michael , Currow David C 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background
Translating outcomes achieved by clinical trials into routine care is crucial to improving outcomes of glioblastoma (GBM). This study examines the extent to which an advance in treatment for GBM has translated into meaningful, population-level survival benefits in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study used linked population-based cancer registry, admitted patient, and mortality datasets. The cohort (n = 2604) included NSW residents aged ≥18 years with a histologically confirmed GBM and a surgical resection between July 2001 and December 2012. The study outcome was all-cause survival, examined using multivariable proportional hazard models. The main study factor was period of surgery, categorized into 4 periods corresponding to different eras in temozolomide (TMZ) use. Survival was examined over time by age (≤70 and &gt;70 years) and for a subcohort selected to approximate the seminal European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (Stupp) protocol trial cohort. TMZ use was estimated using aggregate prescription claims data.

Results
Median survival in 2001-2003, 2004-2006, 2007-2009, and 2010-2012 was 7.4, 9.0, 9.8, and 10.6 months, and risk-adjusted 2-year survival was 8.2%, 13.8%, 15.5%, and 18.3%, respectively. Survival improved for those aged ≤70 years and those aged &gt;70 years. In the proxy trial subcohort, median and 2-year survival were 14.3 months and 27.3%, respectively. The volume of TMZ prescribed annually increased rapidly from 2005.

Conclusions
Introduction of TMZ into standard care in 2005 coincided with improvements in survival and a rapid increase in TMZ prescribing. Optimization of care has continued to improve survival of people with GBM in subsequent years.
Patterns of bevacizumab use in patients with glioblastoma: an online survey among experts in neuro-oncology
Authors: Ranjan Surabhi , Skorupan Nebojša , Ye Xiaobu , Sivakumar Ananyaa , Yankulina Olga , Kamson David , Grossman Stuart A , Dzaye Omar , Holdhoff Matthias 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background
Bevacizumab (BEV) received accelerated FDA approval in 2009 for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM). Unfortunately, prospective randomized controlled phase 3 studies (AVAglio and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0825 in newly diagnosed, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer 26101 in rGBM) failed to show an overall survival benefit with BEV added to standard therapy. In light of these data, we aimed to capture current utilization patterns and perceived value of BEV in the treatment of GBM among experts in the field.

Methods
An online questionnaire comprising 14 multiple choice questions was sent out in spring 2017 to 207 oncologists/neuro-oncologists treating patients with GBM at all National Cancer Institute–designated cancer centers in the United States.

Results
Sixty-two of 207 (30%) invitees responded (by training, 70% neuro-oncologists, 20% medical oncologists, 10% pediatric oncologists/neuro-oncologists). Participants reported use of BEV most frequently in rGBM for control of edema (85% of respondents) and/or when no other treatment options were available (68%). BEV is rarely used in newly diagnosed GBM (&lt;5% of cases by 78% respondents and in 5% to 10% cases by 15% respondents). Sixty-six percent of participants indicated that they thought BEV improved symptoms, 30% that it improved symptoms and survival, 3% that it had no benefit in GBM patients.

Conclusion
In this cross-sectional online survey we found that among neuro-oncology experts in the United States in 2017, BEV is predominantly utilized in select patients with rGBM, and is only rarely used in a small subgroup of patients with newly diagnosed GBM for control of edema. The low response rate may have introduced a nonresponse bias.
Shedding and Transmission Modes of Severe Fever With Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Phlebovirus in a Ferret Model
Authors: Yu Kwang-Min , Jeong Hye-Won , Park Su-Jin , Kim Young-Il , Yu Min-Ah , Kwon Hyeok-Il , Kim Eun-Ha , Kim Se-Mi , Lee Seung-Hun , Kim Seong-Gyu , Choi Young-Ki 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background
Although human-to-human transmission of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome phlebovirus (SFTSV) via direct contact with body fluids has been reported, the role of specific body fluids from SFTSV-infected hosts has not been investigated in detail.

Methods
To demonstrate the virus transmission kinetics in SFTSV-infected hosts, we adapted the ferret infection model and evaluated the virus shedding periods, virus titers, and transmission modes from various specimens of infected ferrets.

Results
Large amounts of infectious SFTSV are shed through nasal discharge, saliva, and urine from SFTSV-infected ferrets. Virus could be detected from 2 dpi and persisted until 12 dpi in these specimens, compared with the relatively short virus-shedding period in sera. Further, transmission studies revealed that SFTSV can be transmitted to close direct and indirect contact naïve animals through various mediums, especially through contact with serum and urine. Further, ferrets contacted with human urine specimens from SFTSV-positive patients were successfully infected with SFTSV, suggesting that urine specimens could be a source of SFTSV infection in humans.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that the SFTSV can be shed in various body fluids for more than 12 days and that these specimens could be a source for direct or indirect transmission through close personal contact.
Radiative shocks in spherical accretion
Authors: Fukue Jun 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACT
In order to explore various aspects of radiative shocks, we examine standing radiative shock waves in spherical accretion flows onto a central gravitating body under the equilibrium diffusion approximation. In contrast to the usual one-dimensional shock, in radiative shocks a radiative precursor appears in the pre-shock region before the shock front, due to the radiative diffusion effect. Furthermore, in spherical flows around a central object the gravitational potential varies in this radiative precursor, and a curvature effect also exists. We first formulate such radiative shocks in spherical flows, derive the overall jump conditions, and solve the structure of the radiative precursor for both the gas and radiation pressure dominated cases. Since the jump conditions contain the coordinates of both ends of the radiative precursor, we must obtain both the solution and the endpoints of the precursor simultaneously. We find that the gravitational effect is not significant, although it cannot be ignored. The curvature effect exerts a strong influence on the structure and width of the precursor. The precursor starting point x1 normalized by the shock radius is roughly expressed by $x_1={\cal M}_1^{1/7}$ for a radiation pressure dominated shock, while $x_1=1.21^{({\cal M}_1-1)}$ for a gas pressure one, where ${\cal M}_1$ is the pre-shock Mach number.
Loss of buoyancy control in the copepod Calanus finmarchicus
Authors: Cohen Jonathan H , Last Kim S , Waldie Jack , Pond David W 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
A mechanism is demonstrated that could explain large-scale aggregations of lipid-rich copepods in the surface waters of marine environments. Laboratory experiments establish that changes in salinity and temperature induce lipid-mediated buoyancy instability that entrains copepods in surface waters. Reduced hydrostatic pressure associated with forced ascent of copepods at fjordic sills, shelf breaks and seamounts would also reduce the density of the lipid reserves, forcing copepods and particularly those in diapause to the surface. We propose that salinity, temperature and hydrodynamics of the physical environment, in conjunction with the biophysical properties of lipids, explain periodic high abundances of lipid-rich copepods in surface waters.
RNA-seq-based identification of Star upregulation by islet amyloid formation
Authors: Hogan Meghan F , Ziemann Mark , K N Harikrishnan , Rodriguez Hanah , Kaspi Antony , Esser Nathalie , Templin Andrew T , El-Osta Assam , Kahn Steven E 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAggregation of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) into islet amyloid results in β-cell toxicity in human type 2 diabetes. To determine the effect of islet amyloid formation on gene expression, we performed ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis using cultured islets from either wild-type mice (mIAPP), which are not amyloid prone, or mice that express human IAPP (hIAPP), which develop amyloid. Comparing mIAPP and hIAPP islets, 5025 genes were differentially regulated (2439 upregulated and 2586 downregulated). When considering gene sets (reactomes), 248 and 52 pathways were up- and downregulated, respectively. Of the top 100 genes upregulated under two conditions of amyloid formation, seven were common. Of these seven genes, only steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (Star) demonstrated no effect of glucose per se to modify its expression. We confirmed this differential gene expression using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and also demonstrated the presence of STAR protein in islets containing amyloid. Furthermore, Star is a part of reactomes representing metabolism, metabolism of lipids, metabolism of steroid hormones, metabolism of steroids and pregnenolone biosynthesis. Thus, examining gene expression that is differentially regulated by islet amyloid has the ability to identify new molecules involved in islet physiology and pathology applicable to type 2 diabetes.
Is Virtual Reality Effective in Orthopedic Rehabilitation? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gumaa Mohammed , Rehan Youssef Aliaa 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background
Virtual reality (VR) is an interactive technology that allows customized treatment and may help in delivering effective person-centered rehabilitation.

Purpose
The purpose of this review was to systematically review and critically appraise the controlled clinical trials that investigated VR effectiveness in orthopedic rehabilitation.

Data Sources
Pubmed, CINAHL, Embase, PEDro, REHABDATA, and Sage publications were searched up to September 2018. In addition, manual searching and snowballing using Scopus and Web of Science were done.

Study Selection
Two reviewers screened studies for eligibility first by title and abstract and then full text.

Data Extraction
Articles were categorized into general or region-specific (upper limbs, lower limbs, and spine) orthopedic disorders. Study quality was assessed using the Evaluation Guidelines for Rating the Quality of an Intervention Study scoring. Meta-analysis quantified VR effectiveness, compared with no treatment, in back pain.

Data Synthesis
Nineteen studies were included in the quality assessment. The majority of the studies were of moderate quality. Fourteen studies showed that VR did not differ compared with exercises. Compared with the no-treatment control, 5 studies favored VR and 3 other studies showed no differences. For low back pain, the meta-analysis revealed no significant difference between VR and no-treatment control (n = 116; standardized mean difference = −0.21; 95% confidence interval = −0.58 to 0.15).

Limitations
Limitations included heterogeneity in interventions and the outcome measures of reviewed studies. Only articles in English were included.

Conclusion
The evidence of VR effectiveness is promising in chronic neck pain and shoulder impingement syndrome. VR and exercises have similar effects in rheumatoid arthritis, knee arthritis, ankle instability, and post-anterior cruciate reconstruction. For fibromyalgia and back pain, as well as after knee arthroplasty, the evidence of VR effectiveness compared with exercise is absent or inconclusive.
Does Climate Change Affect Real Estate Prices? Only If You Believe In It
Authors: Baldauf Markus , Garlappi Lorenzo , Yannelis Constantine 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
This paper studies whether house prices reflect belief differences about climate change. We show that in an equilibrium model of housing choice in which agents derive utility from ownership in a neighborhood of similar agents, prices exhibit different elasticities to climate risk. We use comprehensive transaction data to relate prices to inundation projections of individual homes and measures of beliefs about climate change. We find that houses projected to be underwater in believer neighborhoods sell at a discount compared to houses in denier neighborhoods. Our results suggest that house prices reflect heterogeneity in beliefs about long-run climate change risks.
Financial Literacy Externalities
Authors: Haliassos Michael , Jansson Thomas , Karabulut Yigitcan 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
We use unique administrative data and a quasi-field experiment of exogenous allocation in Sweden to estimate medium- and longer-run effects of peoples’ exposure to financially literate neighbors on their financial behavior. We contribute evidence of (1) a causal impact of exposure and of a social multiplier of financial knowledge and (2) unfavorable distributional aspects of externalities. Exposure promotes saving in private retirement accounts and stockholding, especially when neighbors have economics or business education, but only for educated households and for substantial interaction possibilities. Findings point to a transfer of knowledge rather than mere imitation or effects through labor, education, or mobility channels.
Received October 25, 2017; editorial decision December 24, 2018 by Editor Lauren Cohen. Authors have furnished code/data/an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
IL-16 expression is increased in the skin and sera of patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Kawabata Kazuo , Makino Takamitsu , Makino Katsunari , Kajihara Ikko , Fukushima Satoshi , Ihn Hironobu 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectivesSSc is an autoimmune disease with chronic and persistent inflammation in its pathogenesis. To examine the expression pattern of IL-16 in SSc lesions, the serum concentration of IL-16 in SSc patients and the relationship between serum IL-16 levels and the clinical symptoms of SSc were investigated.MethodsUsing immunohistochemical analysis, we examined the quantity and localization of IL-16 in affected skin obtained from SSc patients. We also measured serum levels of IL-16 in SSc patients using an ELISA. We then validated the correlation between serum IL-16 levels and clinical symptoms in patients with SSc.ResultsIn the skin, IL-16 was expressed on the lymphocytes around the capillaries. Furthermore, the proportion of IL-16-positive cells was statistically higher in patients with dcSSc than in those with lcSSc patients (43.9 vs 29.1%, P < 0.05). The serum IL-16 levels in SSc patients were statistically significant elevated compared with healthy controls (297.0 vs 194.9 pg/ml, P < 0.05). Increased serum IL-16 levels in SSc patients were correlated with the proportion classified as dcSSc, skin score and the presence of cutaneous symptoms of erythema and pigmentation.ConclusionThe regional up-regulation of IL-16 in the skin is not only associated with skin sclerosis, but also with systemic IL-16 activation. IL-16 may play a role in the pathogenesis of SSc. Moreover, serum IL-16 levels may be useful as a biomarker for determining the severity of the skin sclerosis. Inhibiting IL-16 activation may be effective in treating SSc.
Adenosine Kinase Expression in the Frontal Cortex in Schizophrenia
Authors: Moody Cassidy L , Funk Adam J , Devine Emily , Devore Homan Ryan C , Boison Detlev , McCullumsmith Robert E , O’Donovan Sinead M 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The adenosine hypothesis of schizophrenia posits that reduced availability of the neuromodulator adenosine contributes to dysregulation of dopamine and glutamate transmission and the symptoms associated with schizophrenia. It has been proposed that increased expression of the enzyme adenosine kinase (ADK) may drive hypofunction of the adenosine system. While animal models of ADK overexpression support such a role for altered ADK, the expression of ADK in schizophrenia has yet to be examined. In this study, we assayed ADK gene and protein expression in frontocortical tissue from schizophrenia subjects. In the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), ADK-long and -short splice variant expression was not significantly altered in schizophrenia compared to controls. There was also no significant difference in ADK splice variant expression in the frontal cortex of rats treated chronically with haloperidol-decanoate, in a study to identify the effect of antipsychotics on ADK gene expression. ADK protein expression was not significantly altered in the DLPFC or anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). There was no significant effect of antipsychotic medication on ADK protein expression in the DLPFC or ACC. Overall, our results suggest that increased ADK expression does not contribute to hypofunction of the adenosine system in schizophrenia and that alternative mechanisms are involved in dysregulation of this system in schizophrenia.
INSTRAL: Discordance-Aware Phylogenetic Placement Using Quartet Scores
Authors: Rabiee Maryam , Mirarab Siavash 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPhylogenomic analyses have increasingly adopted species tree reconstruction using methods that account for gene tree discordance using pipelines that require both human effort and computational resources. As the number of available genomes continues to increase, a new problem is facing researchers. Once more species become available, they have to repeat the whole process from the beginning because updating species trees is currently not possible. However, the de novo inference can be prohibitively costly in human effort or machine time. In this article, we introduce INSTRAL, a method that extends ASTRAL to enable phylogenetic placement. INSTRAL is designed to place a new species on an existing species tree after sequences from the new species have already been added to gene trees; thus, INSTRAL is complementary to existing placement methods that update gene trees. [ASTRAL; ILS; phylogenetic placement; species tree reconstruction.]