bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glutamine metabolism and its effects on immune response: molecular mechanism and gene expression
Authors: de Oliveira Dalila Cunha , da Silva Lima Fabiana , Sartori Talita , Santos Andressa Cristina Antunes , Rogero Marcelo Macedo , Fock Ricardo Ambrosio 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThis article aims to review glutamine metabolism and its effects on the immune response. Selected topics are addressed, particularly the effect of glutamine on cell survival and proliferation, as well as its importance in some biochemical pathways. The impact of glutamine on muscle, intestine, and liver metabolism are described, and a special section about glutamine regulation of the immune response is included. In this context, the modulation of glutamine on relevant signaling pathways as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and heat shock protein and the influence of this amino acid on cell migration and adhesion molecules are highlighted. Some important immune response pathways modulated by glutamine were described as its action in critically ill patients. In summary, this review describes some important actions of glutamine, and a range of reactions and modulatory effects in different organs, which may inform new therapeutic strategies. However, further studies are necessary to provide information about glutamine use, especially about situations in which it can be better used as well as fine-tuning dose and administration.
An X-ray Spectroscopic Study of Co–Fe-Based Prussian Blue Analog Gels
Authors: Hayashi Hisashi , Abe Hitoshi 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
We performed time-resolved X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and position-dependent X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy on gels containing Co2+ and [Fe(CN)6]4−/[Fe(CN)6]3− ions. Sample tubes containing an agar gel mixed with 0.10 M CoCl2 solution and a water-glass gel mixed with 0.05 M K3[Fe(CN)6]/K4[Fe(CN)6] solution were prepared for the analyses. Dark-purple continuous (DPC) bands were observed in the water-glass gel of the two tubes. XRF results demonstrated that the DPC bands contained diffusive Co–Fe complexes. XANES results indicated that the Fe and Co local structures in the DPC bands were independent of the initial Fe oxidation states in [Fe(CN)6] and the measurement positions. It was found that the Fe local structure of the DPC bands was predominantly [Fe(CN)6]. The real-space multiple scattering calculations using FEFF 8.02 code suggested that Co–Fe-based Prussian blue analogs, of which the most likely local structure is Co(OC)4(NCFe)2, co-existed with [Co(H2O)6]2+ ions in the DPC bands.
Terrestrial Carbon Cycle Variability
Authors: Baldocchi Dennis , Ryu Youngryel , Keenan Trevor 
Published: September 2016

A growing literature is reporting on how the terrestrial carbon cycle is experiencing year-to-year variability because of climate anomalies and trends caused by global change. As CO2 concentration records in the atmosphere exceed 50 years and as satellite records reach over 30 years in length, we are becoming better able to address carbon cycle variability and trends. Here we review how variable the carbon cycle is, how large the trends in its gross and net fluxes are, and how well the signal can be separated from noise. We explore mechanisms that explain year-to-year variability and trends by deconstructing the global carbon budget. The CO2 concentration record is detecting a significant increase in the seasonal amplitude between 1958 and now. Inferential methods provide a variety of explanations for this result, but a conclusive attribution remains elusive. Scientists have reported that this trend is a consequence of the greening of the biosphere, stronger northern latitude photosynthesis, more photosynthesis by semi-arid ecosystems, agriculture and the green revolution, tropical temperature anomalies, or increased winter respiration. At the global scale, variability in the terrestrial carbon cycle can be due to changes in constituent fluxes, gross primary productivity, plant respiration and heterotrophic (microbial) respiration, and losses due to fire, land use change, soil erosion, or harvesting. It remains controversial whether or not there is a significant trend in global primary productivity (due to rising CO2, temperature, nitrogen deposition, changing land use, and preponderance of wet and dry regions). The degree to which year-to-year variability in temperature and precipitation anomalies affect global primary productivity also remains uncertain. For perspective, interannual variability in global gross primary productivity is relatively small (on the order of 2 Pg-C y-1) with respect to a large and uncertain background (123 +/- 4 Pg-C y-1), and detected trends in global primary productivity are even smaller (33 Tg-C y-2). Yet residual carbon balance methods infer that the terrestrial biosphere is experiencing a significant and growing carbon sink. Possible explanations for this large and growing net land sink include roles of land use change and greening of the land, regional enhancement of photosynthesis, and down regulation of plant and soil respiration with warming temperatures. Longer time series of variables needed to provide top-down and bottom-up assessments of the carbon cycle are needed to resolve these pressing and unresolved issues regarding how, why, and at what rates gross and net carbon fluxes are changing.
Development of a clinical algorithm for treating urethral strictures based on a large retrospective single-center cohort
Authors: Tolkach Yuri , Herrmann Thomas , Merseburger Axel , Burchardt Martin , Wolters Mathias , Huusmann Stefan , Kramer Mario , Kuczyk Markus , Imkamp Florian 
Published: September 2016

Aim To analyze clinical data from male patients treated with urethrotomy and to develop a clinical decision algorithm. Materials and methods Two large cohorts of male patients with urethral strictures were included in this retrospective study, historical (1985-1995, n=491) and modern cohorts (1996-2006, n=470). All patients were treated with repeated internal urethrotomies (up to 9 sessions). Clinical outcomes were analyzed and systemized as a clinical decision algorithm. Results The overall recurrence rates after the first urethrotomy were 32.4% and 23% in the historical and modern cohorts, respectively. In many patients, the second procedure was also effective with the third procedure also feasible in selected patients. The strictures with a length ≤ 2 cm should be treated according to the initial length. In patients with strictures ≤ 1 cm, the second session could be recommended in all patients, but not with penile strictures, strictures related to transurethral operations or for patients who were 31-50 years of age. The third session could be effective in selected cases of idiopathic bulbar strictures. For strictures with a length of 1-2 cm, a second operation is possible for the solitary low-grade bulbar strictures, given that the age is > 50 years and the etiology is not post-transurethral resection of the prostate. For penile strictures that are 1-2 cm, urethrotomy could be attempted in solitary but not in high-grade strictures. Conclusions We present data on the treatment of urethral strictures with urethrotomy from a single center. Based on the analysis, a clinical decision algorithm was suggested, which could be a reliable basis for everyday clinical practice.
Creating a driving profile for older adults using GPS devices and naturalistic driving methodology
Authors: Babulal Ganesh M. , Traub Cindy M. , Webb Mollie , Stout Sarah H. , Addison Aaron , Carr David B. , Ott Brian R. , Morris John C. , Roe Catherine M. 
Published: September 2016

Background/Objectives: Road tests and driving simulators are most commonly used in research studies and clinical evaluations of older drivers. We adapted an existing, commercial, off-the-shelf, in-vehicle device for naturalistic, longitudinal research to better understand daily driving behavior in older drivers. Design: The Azuga G2 Tracking DeviceTM was installed in each participant’s vehicle, and we collected data over 5 months (speed, latitude/longitude) every 30-seconds when the vehicle was driven. Setting: The Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Washington University School of Medicine. Participants: Five individuals enrolled in a larger, longitudinal study assessing preclinical Alzheimer disease and driving performance. Participants were aged 65+ years and had normal cognition. Measurements: Spatial components included Primary Location(s), Driving Areas, Mean Centers and Unique Destinations. Temporal components included number of trips taken during different times of the day. Behavioral components included number of hard braking, speeding and sudden acceleration events. Methods: Individual 30-second observations, each comprising one breadcrumb, and trip-level data were collected and analyzed in R and ArcGIS. Results: Primary locations were confirmed to be 100% accurate when compared to known addresses. Based on the locations of the breadcrumbs, we were able to successfully identify frequently visited locations and general travel patterns. Based on the reported time from the breadcrumbs, we could assess number of trips driven in daylight vs. night. Data on additional events while driving allowed us to compute the number of adverse driving alerts over the course of the 5-month period. Conclusions: This pilot study indicated that Driving Profiles for older adults can be created and compared month-to-month or year-to-year, allowing researchers to identify changes in driving patterns that are unavailable in controlled conditions.
Legal-System Arbitrage and Parent–Subsidiary Capital Structures
Authors: Banerjee Suman , Noe Thomas H. 
Published: September 2016

This paper develops a new theory of the capital structure of parent–subsidiary organizations based on legal-system arbitrage: the capital structure of parent–subsidiary organizations is chosen to minimize the agency costs generated by selective renegotiation of claims written on the component legal entities. We show that optimal mixes of parent-subsidiary–level financing minimize the default premia associated with the organization’s overall financing package by equating the marginal enforceability of debt contracts written at the parent and subsidiary levels. The enforceability of creditor claims depends not only on the legal regime but also on the size of the debt claims and the liquidation value of the firm’s assets. Small claims written under a weak creditor rights regime may be more enforceable than large claims written under a regime with strong creditor protection. Thus, all optimal mixes involve some borrowing at the subsidiary level even if the subsidiary legal regime features weaker creditor protection than the parent regime. However, the mix between parent and subsidiary financing tilts toward the regime that features stronger creditor protection. This paper was accepted by Itay Goldstein, finance.
Can Investment Shocks Explain the Cross Section of Equity Returns?
Authors: Garlappi Lorenzo , Song Zhongzhi 
Published: September 2016

Using two macro-based measures and one return-based measure of investment-specific technology (IST) shocks, we find that over the 1964–2012 period, exposure to IST shocks cannot explain cross-sectional return spreads based on book-to-market, momentum, asset growth, net share issues, accrual, and price-to-earnings ratio. Only one of the two macro-based measures can explain a sizable portion of the value premium over the longer 1930–2012 period. We also find that the IST risk premium estimates are sensitive to the sample period, the data frequency, the test assets, and the econometric model specification. Impulse responses of aggregate investment and consumption indicate potential measurement problems in IST proxies, which may contribute to the sensitivity of IST risk premium estimates and the failure of IST shocks to explain cross-sectional returns. This paper was accepted by Neng Wang, finance.
Reducing the risk to marine ports from invasive mosquito species, zika, dengue, chikungunya viruses and filariasis
Authors: Kollars Thomas , G. Kollars Peggy , Hulsey Bannie 
Published: September 2016

Background: Mosquitoes are the principal vector of pathogens to humans throughout the world. Ports are a primary means to which invasive mosquito species and the pathogens they carry are introduced into new areas and where the mosquito species was once eradicated.Methods: The ports of Porto Cortes (Honduras) and Savannah Port, (USA) were evaluated using the Bioagent Transport and Environmental Modeling System (BioTEMS) invasive species model to determine what species would be most likely to invade and survive in the Jebel Ali Port area (UAE). The Porto Cortes study site was evaluated to determine if mosquito control using ecofriendly pesticides was practical at the port of origin. Conclusion: The Bioagent Transport and Environmental Modeling System TIGER model provides information that can be utilized to interdict and control invasive mosquito species to reduce the risk they become permanently established. The receiving ports were at risk from mosquito invasion, however, because of niche parameters, the Savannah Port was at risk from four invasive species from Honduras and the Jebel Ali Port was at risk from Ae. albopictus from Porto Cortes and Savannah and Ae. vexans from Savannah. Mosquito control was obtained at the point of origin and optimal surveillance and control sites were identified.
Using Diastolic Blood Pressure to Diagnose Acute Stroke in Isolated Acute Vestibular Syndrome
Authors: Matsumoto Shoiku , Kishikawa Masanobu , Okuyama Tosiro , Yoshino Shinichiro , Hirakawa Katsuyuki , Nagano Sukehisa , Yoshimura Takeo 
Published: September 2016

Background: Although diagnosis of isolated acute vestibular syndrome (AVS) via physical examination has been reported, a great deal of experience is needed to interpret the results. Patients with AVS often cannot participate in a physical examination, and not every emergency department (ED) is equipped with a magnetic resonance imaging machine. Therefore, in isolated AVS, clinical factors other than those used by general physicians and/or residents are required to identify strokes in these patients. The aim of this study was to determine those clinical factors useful in differentiating stroke patients from isolated AVS patients in the ED setting.Methods: We examined the records of 116 consecutive patients who presented to the ED between May 2010 and April 2013 with AVS (acute vertigo or dizziness, nystagmus, nausea/vomiting, head‐motion intolerance, unsteady gait) and without auditory symptoms, head and/or neck pain, or neurological findings. Patients underwent diagnostic neuroimaging. Clinical characteristics and vital signs measured in the ambulance were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations of systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥150 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥85 mmHg, heart rate, age ≥60 years, and dyslipidemia with stroke.Results: Stroke was diagnosed in eight of the 116 (6.9%) patients with isolated AVS. DBP ≥85 mmHg (odds ratio 29.0; 95% confidence interval 3.38–249) was the only significant and independent factor associated with stroke among patients with isolated AVS.Conclusion: This study identified DBP ≥85 mmHg to be a simple and useful clinical factor differentiating stroke from non‐stroke isolated AVS.
Renal Failure Due to Severe Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Sato Shimpei , Nishida Masakazu 
Published: September 2016

Objective: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is not uncommon in multi‐parous or elderly women. One mechanism that may be responsible for renal failure in the presence of POP is chronic retention due to bladder outlet obstruction. We herein presented a case of neglected severe POP in a 60‐year‐old patient that resulted in renal failure.Case: A 60‐year‐old Japanese woman had a sensation of a vulvar mass since the age of 40. She had general malaise, reduced appetite, and weight loss, but did not exhibit any urinary symptoms or a vulvar mass. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a vulvar mass, and the patient was diagnosed with POP‐Q (pelvic organ prolapse quantification) stage 4 following a pelvic examination. A blood examination showed an increased inflammatory response (number of leukocytes 24,600/µl, C‐reactive protein 29.10 mg/dl) and renal dysfunction (creatinine 6.40 mg/dl, blood urea nitrogen 83.5 mg/dl). She was initially treated with bladder drainage and antibacterial therapy. Seven months after the initiation of bladder drainage, colpocleisis and urethroplasty were performed following the manual repositioning of POP.Conclusion: This patient may have avoided long‐term hospital care if she had undergone a gynecological examination earlier. General physicians need to consider POP and learn to perform a basic gynecological examination when examining older women, who are more likely to ignore or conceal symptoms, similar to this case.
Clump structure, population structure and non-destructive biomass estimation of the New Zealand carrageenophyte Sarcothalia lanceata (Gigartinaceae, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Neill Kate F. , Nelson Wendy A. , Falshaw Ruth , Hurd Catriona L. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract

Sarcothalia lanceata is a New Zealand carrageenophyte with tetrasporophytic thalli that produce carrageenan very close to the idealised structure of lambda-carrageenan. As such there is interest in its potential for commercial utilisation. There is no information on the biology and ecology of natural populations of this species, but this knowledge is critical for determining whether a species is a suitable candidate for sustainable wild harvest or for aquaculture. Population studies were conducted at two sites in New Zealand’s South Island in order to provide fundamental information on this species. The structure (abundance and composition of male, female, tetrasporophytic and non-reproductive clumps) of the two populations was assessed monthly over a year, and population biomass estimated using regression methods. Seasonal variation was not evident in most of the parameters measured, but differences between sites were found in total population density, the density of different life-history phases, and clump size and structure. The turnover in biomass occurs more frequently at the blade level than at the clump level and the presence of a basal crust in this species promotes population stability.
Convenient synthesis of the functionalized 1′,3′-dihydrospiro[cyclopentane-1,2′-inden]-2-enes via a three-component reaction
Authors: Liu Chang-Zhou , Han Ying , Qi Wen-Jie , Yan Chao-Guo 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
The three-component reaction of triphenylphosphine, dialkyl hex-2-en-4-ynedioate and arylidene-1,3-indanedione in dry DME at room temperature furnishes functionalized triphenylphosphanylidene-substituted 1′,3′-dihydrospiro[cyclopentane-1,2′-inden]-2-enes in 75–92% yields. 1H NMR spectra and X-ray diffraction analysis indicate that the trans-isomer is predominately formed and the reaction has very high diastereoselectivity.
Successful prevention of preeclampsia in a high-risk pregnancy using progestogen dydrogesterone: a clinical case
Authors: Tskhay Vitaly B. , Kovtun Natalya M. , Schindler Adolf E. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
The presented clinical example convincingly demonstrates the efficacy of dydrogesterone (30 mg) in the prevention of severe preeclampsia in a high-risk patient (early development of preeclampsia and preterm Cesarean section in her first pregnancy, arterial hypertension). This case suggests using dydrogesterone as an option to prevent preeclampsia, as previously shown in a prospective randomized study.
Effects of obesity treatments on bone mineral density, bone turnover and fracture risk in adults with overweight or obesity
Authors: Harper Claudia , Pattinson Andrea L. , Fernando Hamish A. , Zibellini Jessica , Seimon Radhika V. , Sainsbury Amanda 
Published: September 2016

Abstract

Background:
New evidence suggests that obesity is deleterious for bone health, and obesity treatments could potentially exacerbate this.

Materials and methods:
This narrative review, largely based on recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses, synthesizes the effects on bone of bariatric surgery, weight loss pharmaceuticals and dietary restriction.

Results and conclusions:
All three obesity treatments result in statistically significant reductions in hip bone mineral density (BMD) and increases in bone turnover relative to pre-treatment values, with the reductions in hip BMD being strongest for bariatric surgery, notably Roux-en Y gastric bypass (RYGB, 8%–11% of pre-surgical values) and weakest for dietary restriction (1%–1.5% of pre-treatment values). Weight loss pharmaceuticals (orlistat or the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, liraglutide) induced no greater changes from pre-treatment values than control, despite greater weight loss. There is suggestive evidence that liraglutide may increase bone mineral content (BMC) – but not BMD – and reduce fracture risk, but more research is required to clarify this. All three obesity treatments have variable effects on spine BMD, probably due to greater measurement error at this site in obesity, suggesting that future research in this field could focus on hip rather than spine BMD. Various mechanisms have been proposed for BMD loss with obesity treatments, notably reduced nutritional intake/absorption and insufficient exercise, and these are potential avenues for protection against bone loss. However, a pressing outstanding question is whether this BMD reduction contributes to increased fracture risk, as has been observed after RYGB, and whether any such increase in fracture risk outweighs the risks of staying obese (unlikely).
Oxidation Kinetics and Spallation Model of Oxide Scale during Cooling Process of Low Carbon Microalloyed Steel
Authors: Cao Guangming , Li Zhifeng , Tang Junjian , Sun Xianzhen , Liu Zhenyu 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe spallation behavior of oxide scale on the surface of low carbon microalloyed steel (510L) is investigated during the laminar cooling of hot rolling strip. Surface, cross-section morphology and phase composition of oxide scale in different laminar cooling rate are observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Moreover, a spallation mathematic model is established based on empirical formula to predict the critical thickness of oxide scale and the test of high temperature oxidation kinetics at different temperatures between 500 °C to 900 °C provides oxidation rate constant for the model calculation. The results of heat-treatment test and model calculation reveal that laminar cooling rate plays an important role in controlling the thickness of oxide scale and suppressing spallation behavior.
Exercise increases the level of plasma orexin A in humans
Authors: Messina Giovanni , Di Bernardo Giovanni , Viggiano Andrea , De Luca Vincenzo , Monda Vincenzo , Messina Antonietta , Chieffi Sergio , Galderisi Umberto , Monda Marcellino 
Published: September 2016

Abstract

Background:
The purpose of this research was to study the effects of exercise on the concentration of plasma orexin A, a peptide regulating several physiological functions.

Methods:
Blood samples were collected from participants (men, n=10; age: 24.4±2.93 years) 15, 0 min before the start of exercise, and 30, 45, 60 min after a cycle ergometer exercise at 75 W for 15 min. Also heart rate (HR), galvanic skin response (GSR), and rectal temperature were monitored.

Results:
The exercise induced a significant increase (p<0.01) in plasmatic orexin A with a peak at 30 min after the exercise bout, in association with an increase of the other three monitored variables: HR (p<0.01), GSR (p<0.05), and rectal temperature (p<0.01).

Conclusions:
Our findings indicate that plasmatic orexin A is involved in the reaction to physical activity.