bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A domain responsible for spontaneous conversion of bank vole prion protein
Authors: Kobayashi Atsushi , Matsuura Yuichi , Takeuchi Atsuko , Yamada Masahito , Miyoshi Ichiro , Mohri Shirou , Kitamoto Tetsuyuki 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBank vole is a small rodent that shows high susceptibility to infection with diverse prion strains. To determine whether the increased susceptibility of bank voles to prion diseases can be attributed to the intrinsic nature of bank vole prion protein (PrP) or to host factors other than PrP, we produced transgenic mice overexpressing bank vole PrP. These transgenic mice spontaneously developed neurological illness with spongiform changes and the accumulation of abnormal PrP in the brain. Then, we produced transgenic mice overexpressing chimeric mouse/bank vole PrP, which differs from mouse PrP only at two residues located at the C‐terminus, to determine the minimum essential domain for the induction of spontaneous generation of abnormal PrP. These transgenic mice also developed spontaneous neurological illness with spongiform changes and the accumulation of abnormal PrP in the brain. In addition, knock‐in mice expressing bank vole PrP at the same level as that of wild‐type mice did not develop spontaneous disease but showed high susceptibility to infection with diverse prion strains, similarly to bank voles. Taken together, these findings show that bank vole PrP has a high propensity for the conformational conversion both in spontaneous disease and in prion infection, probably due to the characteristic structural properties of the C‐terminal domain.
Alveolar ridge regeneration of damaged extraction sockets using deproteinized porcine versus bovine bone minerals: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Lee Jung‐Seok , Cha Jae‐Kook , Kim Chang‐Sung 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundsClinical benefits in bone grafting of intact extraction socket have been widely known, but limited evidence is available for the procedure in damaged extraction sockets due to periodontal disease.PurposeThis study aimed to determine the dimensional alteration of alveolar ridge following bone grafting of damaged extraction sockets, and compare the outcomes of using deproteinized bovine (DBBM) versus porcine bone mineral (DPBM) in the damaged sockets.Materials and MethodsOne hundred patients (n = 50 for each group) with periodontitis‐induced damaged extraction socket were included in this randomized, single‐blind trial. After removal of tooth and granulation tissue, sites were grafted with either DBBM (DBBM group) or DPBM (DPBM group), and covered with collagen membrane. Linear/volumetric analyses of hard and soft‐tissue dimensions were performed on reconstructed/superimposed computed tomography and scanned cast images, taken immediately and 4 months after surgery.ResultsThe two groups showed comparable hard tissue augmentation with minimal reductions in the grafted volume, as well as in vertical (1.22 ± 2.16 and 1.45 ± 1.92 mm for DPBM and DBBM group, respectively) and horizontal (1.43 ± 3.40 and 1.83 ± 2.85 mm on the central section, respectively) dimensions at 4 months after surgery. However, several cases showed large variations in maintenance of the grafted volume. None of the measured parameters in hard and soft tissue dimensions differed significantly between DBBM and DPBM sites.ConclusionsDBBM and DPBM can comparably augment damaged extraction sockets with minimal postoperative reduction of the grafted volume. However, the large variations in the results should be further evaluated for application in routine dental clinics.
Multiple Factors and Multiple Mechanisms Determine the Quality of Conscious Experiences: A Reply to Anzulewicz and Wierzchoń
Authors: Fazekas Peter , Overgaard Morten 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn this Letter to the Editor, we seize the opportunity to respond to the recent comments by Anzulewicz and Wierzchoń, and further clarify and extend the scope of our original paper. We re‐emphasize that conscious experiences come in degrees, and that there are several factors that determine this degree. Endorsing the suggestions of Anzulewicz and Wierzchoń, we discuss that besides low‐level attentional mechanisms, high‐level attentional and non‐attentional mechanisms might also modulate the quality of conscious experiences.
Fintech venture capital
Authors: Cumming Douglas J. , Schwienbacher Armin 
Published: July 2018

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueWhere are fintech venture capital investments taking place around the world? What is the role of institutional factors on the international allocation of fintech venture capital?Research Findings/InsightsWe document a notable change in the pattern of fintech venture capital (VC) investments around the world relative to other types of investments after the global financial crisis. We show that fintech venture capital investments are relatively more common in countries with weaker regulatory enforcement and without a major financial center after the financial crisis. Also, we show the fintech boom is more pronounced for smaller private limited partnership venture capitalists that likely have less experience with prior venture capital booms and busts. These fintech VC deals are substantially more likely to be liquidated, especially when located in countries without a major financial center.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsWe build on the institutions and corporate governance literatures by showing the importance of enforcement in driving relative differences in investment patterns and investor participation. For entrepreneurial startups, regulatory arbitrage drives investment into countries with a dearth of enforcement and regulatory costs. We argue that the spike in fintech venture capital in certain countries is attributable to differential enforcement of financial institution rules amongst startups versus large established financial institutions after the financial crisis.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsRegulatory arbitrage in the context of fintech venture capital can spur booms and busts. Less experienced venture capitalists seem more prone to undertake investments that exacerbate boom and bust cycles. National governance is strengthened by the enforcement of regulatory standards, and corporate governance through investor experience and oversight can mitigate these swings, and facilitate better investment outcomes.
Can Neutrophil‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio, Monocyte‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio, and Platelet‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio at Day +100 be used as a prognostic marker in Multiple Myeloma patients with autologous transplantation?
Authors: Solmaz Medeni Serife , Acar Celal , Olgun Aybuke , Acar Alev , Seyhanlı Ahmet , Taskıran Emin , Sevindik Omur Gokmen , Alacacıoglu Inci , Piskin Ozden , Ozcan Mehmet Ali , Demirkan Fatih , Undar Bulent , Ozsan Guner Hayri 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundRecent reports have showed that neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (MLR) are predictors of progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in many types of cancer. This study evaluates the predictive value of NLR, MLR, and PLR for survival in MM patients treated with to ASCT.MethodsA set of data consisting of 150 patients who underwent autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for MM was collected retrospectively. The prognostic value of NLR, MLR, and PLR was investigated with Kaplan‐Meier method.ResultsThe prognostic value of NLR, MLR, and PLR was analyzed by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve established to determine the cutoff. These cutoff values of NLR, PLR, and MLR were found 1.46, 86, and 0.27, respectively, on the 100th day of post‐transplantation period. The overall survival (OS) and the post‐transplantation OS of the patients with high NLR, MLR, and PLR levels on the 100th day of post‐transplantation were shorter than the other group (P = 0.05, P = 0.018 [NLR], P = 0.05, P = 0.002 [MLR], P = 0.000, P = 0.001 [PLR]). The post‐transplantation progression‐free survival (PFS) of the patients with high NLR, MLR, and PLR levels on the 100th day of post‐transplantation was shorter as well (P = 0.036, P = 0.001, P = 0.001, respectively).ConclusionAs increased NLR, MLR, and PLR predicted poor clinical outcome in MM patients with autologous transplantation in this study, they may serve as cost‐effective and rapidly available prognostic biomarkers for these patients.
‘Teabacco’: Smoking of nicotine‐infused tea as an unintended consequence of prison smoking bans
Authors: Puljević Cheneal , Coomber Ross , Kinner Stuart A. , de Andrade Dominique , Mitchell Courtney , White Alan , Cresswell Sarah L. , Bowman Jasper 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroduction and AimsFollowing the introduction of smoke‐free policies in prisons in several countries, there have been anecdotal reports of prisoners creating cigarettes by mixing nicotine patches or lozenges with tea leaves (‘teabacco’). Among a sample of people recently released from smoke‐free prisons in Queensland, Australia, the aims of this study were to explore the perceived popularity of teabacco use, motivations for its use and describe the process of creating teabacco to identify potential associated health risks.Design and MethodsThis study used a mixed‐methods design. Eighty‐two people recently released from prison in Queensland, Australia completed surveys at parole offices measuring teabacco use while incarcerated. Twenty‐one teabacco smokers took part in follow‐up, qualitative interviews to explore survey responses in greater depth.ResultsThe majority of survey participants (57%) reported smoking teabacco while incarcerated, with 37% smoking teabacco frequently (> once per week). Teabacco use was primarily motivated by cigarette cravings. Participants described the perceived inevitability of prisoners finding substitutes for tobacco. Multivariate analyses found that self‐rated poor physical health, having been incarcerated five or more times, experiencing cigarette cravings while incarcerated, and use of illicit drugs while incarcerated were positively associated with frequent teabacco use in prison.Discussion and ConclusionsOur findings suggest that teabacco use has become common practice in Queensland's smoke‐free prisons. Correctional smoking bans are an important public health initiative but should be complemented with demand and harm reduction measures cognisant of the risk environment.
Merleau‐Ponty and metaphysical realism
Authors: James Simon P. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractGlobal metaphysical antirealism (or “antirealism”) is often thought to entail that the identity of each and every concrete entity in our world ultimately depends on us—on our adoption of certain social and linguistic conventions, for instance, or on our use of certain conceptual schemes. Drawing on the middle‐period works of Maurice Merleau‐Ponty, I contend that metaphysical antirealism entails nothing of the sort. For Merleau‐Ponty, I argue, entities do not ultimately owe their identities to us, even though—as he puts it—their “articulations are the very ones of our existence.” Once this is recognised, I maintain, certain interpretations of phenomenology are revealed to be caricatures and certain general objections to antirealism lose their force.
Survival patterns and cancer determinants in families with myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Best A. F. , Hilbert J. E. , Wood L. , Martens W. B. , Nikolenko N. , Marini‐Bettolo C. , Lochmüller H. , Rosenberg P. S. , Moxley R. T. , Greene M. H. , Gadalla S. M. 
Published: July 2018

Background and purposeResearch indicates that patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) are at increased risk of cancer and early death. Family data may provide insights givenDM1 phenotypic heterogeneity, the broad range of non‐muscular manifestations and the usual delays in the diagnosis ofDM1.MethodFamily history data were collected from 397 genetically and/or clinically confirmedDM1 patients (respondents) enrolled in theUSorUKmyotonic dystrophy registries. Standardized mortality ratios were calculated forDM1 first‐degree relatives (parents, siblings and offspring) by their reportedDM1 status (affected, unaffected or unknown). For cancer‐related analyses, mixed effects logistic regression models were used to evaluate factors associated with cancer development inDM1 families, including familial clustering.ResultsA total of 467 deaths and 337 cancers were reported amongst 1737 first‐degreeDM1 relatives. Mortality risk amongst relatives reported asDM1‐unaffected was comparable to that of the general population [standardized mortality ratio (SMR) 0.82,P = 0.06], whilst significantly higher mortality risks were noted inDM1‐affected relatives (SMR = 2.47,P < 0.0001) and in those whoseDM1 status was unknown (SMR = 1.60,P < 0.0001). In cancer risk analyses, risk was higher amongst families in which theDM1 respondent had cancer (odds ratio 1.95,P = 0.0001). UnknownDM1 status in the siblings (odds ratio 2.59,P = 0.004) was associated with higher cancer risk.ConclusionThere is an increased risk of death, and probably cancer, in relatives withDM1 and in those whoseDM1 status is unknown. This suggests a need to perform a careful history and physical examination, supplemented by genetic testing, to identify family members at risk forDM1 and who might benefit from disease‐specific clinical care and surveillance.
Melting of clean and debris‐rich ice differentially affect nutrients, dissolved organic matter and bacteria respiration in the early ontogeny of the newly formed proglacial Ventisquero Negro Lake (Patagonia Argentina)
Authors: Modenutti Beatriz , Bastidas Navarro Marcela , Martyniuk Nicolás , Balseiro Esteban 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Climate change affects glaciers all over the world causing glacial recession with the formation of new lakes. Glaciers of Mount Tronador (41° S, Patagonia, Argentina) underwent an increase of more than 200 m in the equilibrium‐line altitude (ELA), from 1994 to 2016. The proglacial Lake Ventisquero Negro showed a continuous increase in lake surface area since 2009, when a glacial outburst flood (GLOF) occurred. The Ventisquero Negro glacier is a debris‐covered glacier located below the timberline; thus, the lake receives meltwater from both clean and debris‐rich ice.

This study analyses the proglacial lake after the GLOF event, particularly the nutrient content, dissolved organic matter and bacterial respiration. Our main hypothesis was that the melting of debris‐rich and clean ice would differentially affect nutrient inputs and bacterial respiration in the early ontogeny of the lake.

Sampling was conducted in austral spring–summer seasons (2012 to 2016) following the GLOF event. We carried out bacterial respiration experiments with lake water and two treatments enriched with clean or debris‐rich ice from the glacier. Additionally, we carried out an another enrichment experiment with phosphate‐P and glucose‐C alone or in combination.

The lake exhibited high turbidity levels due to a high concentration of suspended solids. Vertical light profiles showed that almost the entire water column was aphotic. Phosphorus (P) concentration was high and was positively related to total suspended solids. Accordingly, P concentration was higher in debris‐rich than in clean ice. However, the dissolved organic carbon concentrations in the lake were found to remain relatively constant through time (less than 50 μmol/L).

Analysing fluorescent excitation–emission matrices, we determined that the dissolved organic matter is very simple with only two peaks, one corresponding to protein‐like compounds (C1) and the other to humic‐like compounds (C2), coming from clean ice and debris‐rich ice, respectively. C1 was present in all samples, while C2 was comparatively more important during summer, coinciding with higher temperatures and melting.

This study supports the hypothesis that melting of clean and debris‐rich ice would affect DOM and P input at early stages of a proglacial lake formed by the recession of a debris‐covered glacier. Bacterial respiration was observed to be positively affected by debris‐rich ice melting and to be P limited. Thus, P is a major controlling factor for carbon dynamics in a newly formed proglacial lake.
Quantifying the drivers of HIV transmission and prevention in men who have sex with men: a population model‐based analysis in Switzerland
Authors: Kusejko K , Marzel A , Hampel B , Bachmann N , Nguyen H , Fehr J , Braun DL , Battegay M , Bernasconi E , Calmy A , Cavassini M , Hoffmann M , Böni J , Yerly S , Klimkait T , Perreau M , Rauch A , Günthard HF , Kouyos RD ,   The Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesDespite the huge success of antiretroviral therapy (ART), there is an ongoing HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) in resource‐rich countries. Understanding the driving factors underlying this process is important for curbing the epidemic.MethodsWe simulated the HIV epidemic in MSM in Switzerland by stratifying a mathematical model by CD4 count, the care cascade and condom use. The model was parametrised with clinical, epidemiological and behavioural data from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study and surveys in the HIV‐negative population.ResultsAccording to our model, 3.4% of the cases that would otherwise have occurred in 2008–2015 were prevented by early initiation of ART. Only 0.6% of the cases were attributable to a change in condom use in the HIV‐positive population, as less usage is mainly seen in virally suppressed MSM. Most new infections were attributable to transmission from recently infected undiagnosed individuals. It was estimated that doubling the diagnosis rate would have resulted in 11.8% fewer cases in 2001–2015. Moreover, it was estimated that introducing pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for 50% of those MSM not using condoms with occasional partners would have resulted in 22.6% fewer cases in 2012–2015.ConclusionsBy combining observational data on the relevant epidemiological and clinical processes with a mathematical model, we showed that the ‘test and treat’ approach is most effective in reducing the number of new cases. Only a moderate population‐level effect was estimated for early initiation of ART and a weak effect for the change in condom use of diagnosed MSM. Protecting HIV‐negative individuals who are not using condoms with PrEP was shown to have a major impact.
Paleoenvironmental reconstruction for termination stage of Superanoxia in Middle Triassic (Anisian) sedimentary sequence of the Mino belt, central Japan
Authors: Soda Katsuhito , Onoue Tetsuji 
Published: July 2018

AbstractSuperanoxia across the Permian/Triassic boundary, which is a long period of oceanic anoxia from the late Middle Permian to the early Middle Triassic, has been recognized and debated well in the context of the end Permian mass extinction. However, few studies have focused on the Middle Triassic anoxia because of limited application of geochemical proxies. To reconstruct paleoenvironmental changes during the termination stage of Superanoxia, various geochemical proxies were applied to chemical compositions of the Middle Triassic (Anisian) bedded chert sequence in the Mino belt, Japan, which accumulated in a deep seafloor environment in a low‐ to mid‐latitude zone of the Panthalassa Ocean. Three anoxic events were identified by statistically robust geochemical proxies during the middle Anisian. Degrees of calibrated‐chemical weathering intensity show higher values during these anoxic events, suggesting that the intensified continental weathering was a trigger mechanism for the oceanic anoxic events in the middle Anisian. Furthermore, our data indicate that the termination of Superanoxia in the Panthalassa Ocean was associated with a gradual decrease in continental weathering rates during the middle to late Anisian.
Lead‐reduced Bi(Ni2/3Ta1/3)O3‐PbTiO3 perovskite ceramics with high Curie temperature and performance
Authors: Pang Dongfang , Liu Xitao , Zheng Jing , Long Peiqing , Lin He , Yi Zhiguo 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWith increasing demand of high‐temperature piezoelectric devices and growing concern over environment protection, a feasible reduction in lead from lead‐based high Curie temperature piezoelectric materials are desperately needed. Herein, a new system of lead‐reduced Bi(Ni2/3Ta1/3)O3‐PbTiO3 (BNT‐PT) ferroelectric ceramics is fabricated by a conventional solid‐state sintering process. The phase transition behaviors as a function of composition and temperature, electrical properties, as well as the domain configurations from a microscopic level have been investigated in detail. The results indicate that crystal structures, phase transition behaviors, and electric properties of BNT‐PT ceramics can be affected significantly by the content of BNT counterpart. Dielectric measurements show that xBNT‐(1−x)PT ceramics transfer from the normal ferroelectrics to the relaxor ferroelectrics at compositions of x = 0.3‐0.35. The BNT‐PT ceramics exhibit high Curie temperature TC ranging from 474 to 185°C with the variation in BNT content. The relative dielectric tunability nr also rises from only 0.65% for 0.10BNT‐0.90PT to 50.23% for 0.40BNT‐0.60PT with increasing BNT content. The tetragonal‐rich composition 0.30BNT‐0.70PT ceramic possesses the maximum remnant polarization of Pr ~ 34.9 μC/cm2. Meanwhile, a highest piezoelectric coefficient of d33 ~ 271 pC/N and a high field piezoelectric strain coefficient of ~ 560 pm/V are achieved at morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) composition of 0.38BNT‐0.62PT. The maximum value of strain ~0.31% is obtained in the 0.36BNT‐0.64PT ceramic. The largest electromechanical coupling coefficient kp is 44.5% for 0.37BNT‐0.63PT ceramic. These findings demonstrate that BNT‐PT ceramics are a system of high‐performance Pb‐reduced ferro/piezoelectrics, which will be very promising materials for piezoelectric devices. This study offers an approach to developing and exploring new lead‐reduced ferroelectric ceramics with high performances.
Isolation of salmonid alphavirus subtype 6 from wild‐caught ballan wrasse, Labrus bergylta (Ascanius)
Authors: Ruane Neil M. , Swords David , Morrissey Teresa , Geary Michelle , Hickey Cathy , Collins Evelyn M. , Geoghegan Fiona , Swords Fiona 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe use of cleaner fish as a biological control for sea lice in Atlantic salmon aquaculture has increased in recent years. Wild‐caught wrasse are commonly used as cleaner fish in Europe. In Ireland, samples of wrasse from each fishing area are screened for potential pathogens prior to their deployment into sea cages. Salmonid alphavirus was isolated from a pooled sample of ballan wrasse, showing no signs of disease, caught from the NW of Ireland. Partial sequencing of the E2 and nsP3 genes showed that it was closely related to the previously reported SAV subtype 6. This represents only the second isolation of this subtype and the first from a wild fish species, namely ballan wrasse.