bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endocrinologic Basis of Electrochemical Vaginal Potential in Estrous Cycle of Rats
Authors: Bruzzone M. E. , Angelo S. , Zipper J. , Wheeler R. G. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTThis sequel to an earlier report on the correlation of vagino‐oral voltage measurements in rats with their estrous cycles deals with the endocrinologic activation of these voltages. The normally sinusoidal voltages, positive during estrus and negative during diestrus, were absent in spayed rats but were restored with a single intraperitoneal injection of 5 μg or more of 17β‐estradiol or with 0.1 mg of adrenaline injected subcutaneously every 12 hours. Estrogen antagonists, drugs that inhibit catecholamine synthesis or adrenergic β blockers, totally inhibit the negative potential recorded during estrus. Vaginal estrous potentials in the rat reflect an important reproductive state possibly linked to sexual behavior (heat) or to ovulation. Triggering of the cyclic potential by adrenaline without estrogenic medication suggests that adrenaline belongs to the group of sexual‐specific hormones.
A low‐protein diet induces body weight loss and browning of subcutaneous white adipose tissue through enhanced expression of hepatic fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21)
Authors: Pérez‐Martí Albert , Garcia‐Guasch Maite , Tresserra‐Rimbau Anna , Carrilho‐Do‐Rosário Alexandra , Estruch Ramon , Salas‐Salvadó Jordi , Martínez‐González Miguel Ángel , Lamuela‐Raventós Rosa , Marrero Pedro F. , Haro Diego , Relat Joana 
Published: January 2017

ScopeFibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is considered a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of obesity. Since FGF21 production is regulated by various nutritional factors, we analyze the impact of low protein intake on circulating levels of this growth hormone in mice and in a sub cohort of the PREDIMED (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea) trial. We also describe the role of hepatic FGF21 in metabolic adaptation to a low‐protein diet (LPD).Methods and resultsWe fed control and liver‐specific Fgf21 knockout (LFgf21KO) mice a LPD. This diet increased FGF21 production by inducing its overexpression in liver, and this correlated with a body weight decrease without changes in food intake. The LPD also caused FGF21‐dependent browning in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT), as indicated by an increase in the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). In a subgroup of 78 individuals from the PREDIMED trial, we observed an inverse correlation between protein intake and circulating FGF21 levels.ConclusionOur results reinforce the involvement of FGF21 in coordinating energy homeostasis under a range of nutritional conditions. Moreover, here we describe an approach to increase the endogenous production of FGF21, which if demonstrated functional in humans, could generate a treatment for obesity.
Dual‐energy CT quantitative imaging: a comparison study between twin‐beam and dual‐source CT scanners
Authors: Almeida Isabel P. , Schyns Lotte E. J. R. , Öllers Michel C. , van Elmpt Wouter , Parodi Katia , Landry Guillaume , Verhaegen Frank 
Published: January 2017

PurposeTo assess image quality and to quantify the accuracy of relative electron densities (ρe) and effective atomic numbers (Zeff) for three dual‐energy computed tomography (DECT) scanners: a novel single‐source split‐filter (i.e., twin‐beam) and two dual‐source scanners.MethodsMeasurements were made with a second generation dual‐source scanner at 80/140Sn kVp, a third‐generation twin‐beam single‐source scanner at 120 kVp with gold (Au) and tin (Sn) filters, and a third‐generation dual‐source scanner at 90/150Sn kVp. Three phantoms with tissue inserts were scanned and used for calibration and validation of parameterized methods to extract ρe and Zeff, whereas iodine and calcium inserts were used to quantify Contrast‐to‐Noise‐Ratio (CNR). Spatial resolution in tomographic images was also tested.ResultsThe third‐generation scanners have an image resolution of 6.2, ~0.5 lp/cm higher than the second generation scanner. The twin‐beam scanner has low imaging contrast for iodine materials due to its limited spectral separation. The parameterization methods resulted in calibrations with low fit residuals for the dual‐source scanners, yielding values of ρe and Zeff close to the reference values (errors within 1.2% for ρe and 6.2% for Zeff for a dose of 20 mGy, excluding lung substitute tissues). The twin‐beam scanner presented overall higher errors (within 3.2% for ρe and 28% for Zeff, also excluding lung inserts) and also larger variations for uniform inserts.ConclusionsSpatial resolution is similar for the three scanners. The twin‐beam is able to derive ρe and Zeff, but with inferior accuracy compared to both dual‐source scanners.
Participation restrictions in ambulatory amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients: Physical and psychological factors
Authors: Van Groenestijn Annerieke C. , Schröder Carin D. , Kruitwagen‐Van Reenen Esther T. , Van Den Berg Leonard H. , Visser‐Meily Johanna M.A. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of participation restrictions in ambulatory patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and to identify physical and psychological contributory factors.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, self‐reported participation restrictions of 72 ambulatory ALS patients were assessed using the social health status dimension (SIPSOC) of the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP‐68). Associations between SIPSOC and physical functioning, psychological factors, and demographic factors were analyzed using hierarchical regression analyses.ResultsNinety‐two percent of the patients reported participation restrictions; 54.9% could be explained by physical functioning; psychological factors accounted for 8.1% of the variance. Lung capacity, functional mobility, fatigue, and helplessness were independently associated with participation restrictions.ConclusionsAmbulatory ALS patients have participation restrictions, which may be influenced if early ALS care is directed toward lung capacity, functional mobility, fatigue, and feelings of helplessness. Muscle Nerve 56: 912–918, 2017
Targeted Fluoro Positioning for the Discovery of a Potent and Highly Selective Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor
Authors: Fischer Thomas , Riedl Rainer 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe incorporation of fluorine atoms into functional molecules is of wide interest in synthetic organic chemistry as well as cognate disciplines. In particular, in medicinal chemistry, there is a strong desire to positively influence the physicochemical molecular properties of drug compounds by introducing fluorine into biologically active molecules. Here, we present targeted fluoro positioning as the key design principle of converting a weak matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13) inhibitor into a very potent (IC50=6 nm) and highly selective (selectivity factors of >1000 over MMP‐1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14) inhibitor with excellent plasma and microsomal stability, and no binding to the hERG channel (hERG: human ether‐a‐go‐go related gene).
PACMANS: A bioinformatically informed algorithm to predict, design, and disrupt protease‐on‐protease hydrolysis
Authors: Ferrall‐Fairbanks Meghan C. , Barry Zachary T. , Affer Maurizio , Shuler Marc A. , Moomaw Ellen W. , Platt Manu O. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractMultiple proteases in a system hydrolyze target substrates, but recent evidence indicates that some proteases will degrade other proteases as well. Cathepsin S hydrolysis of cathepsin K is one such example. These interactions may be uni‐ or bi‐directional and change the expected kinetics. To explore potential protease‐on‐protease interactions in silico, a program was developed for users to input two proteases: (1) the protease‐ase that hydrolyzes (2) the substrate, protease. This program identifies putative sites on the substrate protease highly susceptible to cleavage by the protease‐ase, using a sliding‐window approach that scores amino acid sequences by their preference in the protease‐ase active site, culled from MEROPS database. We call this PACMANS, Protease‐Ase Cleavage from MEROPS ANalyzed Specificities, and test and validate this algorithm with cathepsins S and K. PACMANS cumulative likelihood scoring identified L253 and V171 as sites on cathepsin K subject to cathepsin S hydrolysis. Mutations made at these locations were tested to block hydrolysis and validate PACMANS predictions. L253A and L253V cathepsin K mutants significantly reduced cathepsin S hydrolysis, validating PACMANS unbiased identification of these sites. Interfamilial protease interactions between cathepsin S and MMP‐2 or MMP‐9 were tested after predictions by PACMANS, confirming its utility for these systems as well. PACMANS is unique compared to other putative site cleavage programs by allowing users to define the proteases of interest and target, and can also be employed for non‐protease substrate proteins, as well as short peptide sequences.
Repeat measurements of uterine artery pulsatility index, mean arterial pressure and serum placental growth factor at 12, 22 and 32 weeks in prediction of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Andrietti S. , Carlucci S. , Wright A. , Wright D. , Nicolaides K. H. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo investigate the potential value of repeat measurements of uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA‐PI), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and serum placental growth factor (PlGF) at 12, 22 and 32 weeks' gestation in the prediction of pre‐eclampsia (PE) developing after 32 weeks.MethodsData were derived from prospective screening for adverse obstetric outcomes in women attending their routine hospital visit at 11–13, 19–24 and/or 30–34 weeks' gestation in two maternity hospitals in England. UtA‐PI, MAP and PlGF were measured. Bayes' theorem was used to combine the a‐priori risk from maternal factors with UtA‐PI, MAP and PlGF multiples of the median values. The performance of screening for PE developing after the 30–34‐week visit by UtA‐PI, MAP and PlGF measured at 11–13, 19–24 and 30–34 weeks and their combinations was examined.ResultsScreening at 30–34 weeks by UtA‐PI, MAP and PlGF detected, at a 10% false‐positive rate, 79%, 86% and 92% of preterm PE and 42%, 50% and 56% of term PE. The addition of biomarker values at 11–13 and/or 19–24 weeks was not associated with any improvement in the detection rate of preterm PE; in the case of term PE, there was a marginal (< 2%) improvement in detection for UtA‐PI and MAP and a modest improvement of about 5% for PlGF.ConclusionMeasurements of UtA‐PI, MAP and PlGF in the first and/or second trimester have a small or no effect on improving the prediction of PE provided by screening in the early third trimester. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Building confidence in climate model projections: an analysis of inferences from fit
Authors: Baumberger Christoph , Knutti Reto , Hirsch Hadorn Gertrude 
Published: January 2017

Climate model projections are used to inform policy decisions and constitute a major focus of climate research. Confidence in climate projections relies on the adequacy of climate models for those projections. The question of how to argue for the adequacy of models for climate projections has not gotten sufficient attention in the climate modeling community. The most common way to evaluate a climate model is to assess in a quantitative way degrees of ‘model fit’; that is, how well model results fit observation‐based data (empirical accuracy) and agree with other models or model versions (robustness). However, such assessments are largely silent about what those degrees of fit imply for a model's adequacy for projecting future climate. We provide a conceptual framework for discussing the evaluation of the adequacy of models for climate projections. Drawing on literature from philosophy of science and climate science, we discuss the potential and limits of inferences from model fit. We suggest that support of a model by background knowledge is an additional consideration that can be appealed to in arguments for a model's adequacy for long‐term projections, and that this should explicitly be spelled out. Empirical accuracy, robustness and support by background knowledge neither individually nor collectively constitute sufficient conditions in a strict sense for a model's adequacy for long‐term projections. However, they provide reasons that can be strengthened by additional information and thus contribute to a complex non‐deductive argument for the adequacy of a climate model or a family of models for long‐term climate projections. WIREs Clim Change 2017, 8:e454. doi: 10.1002/wcc.454This article is categorized under:

Climate Models and Modeling > Knowledge Generation with Models
Dietary fatty acids influence the growth and fatty acid composition of the yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Dreassi Elena , Cito Annarita , Zanfini Assunta , Materozzi Lara , Botta Maurizio , Francardi Valeria 
Published: January 2017

AbstractFat is the second most abundant component of the nutrient composition of the mealworm Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) that represents also an interesting source of PUFA, especially n‐6 and n‐3 fatty acids, involved in prevention of cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the possibility of modifying the fat content and the FA composition of yellow mealworms through feeding and how this would be influenced by developmental stages, pupal sex, and generation with the future aim of applying this coleopteran as a diet supplement for human health. Growth rate and cumulative mortality percentage on the different feeding substrates were also evaluated to select the optimal conditions for a mass‐raising of this insect species. Despite the different fat content in the six different breeding substrates used, T. molitor larvae and pupae contained a constant fat percentage (>34% in larvae and >30% in pupae). A similar total fat content was found comparing larvae and male and female pupae of the second generation to those of the first generation. On the contrary, FA composition differed both in larvae and pupae reared on the different feeding substrates. However, the exemplars reared on the diets based on 100% bread and 100% oat flour showed SFA, PUFA percentages, and an n‐6/n‐3 ratio more suitable for human consumption; the diet based on beer yeast, wheat flour, and oat flour resulted in a contemporary diet that most satisfied the balance between a fat composition of high quality and favorable growth conditions.
Evidence-based medicine in the era of social media: Scholarly engagement through participation and online interaction
Authors: Chan Teresa , Trueger N. Seth , Roland Damian , Thoma Brent 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe integration of new knowledge into clinical practice continues to lag behind discovery. The use of Free Open Access Medical education (FOAM) has disrupted communication between emergency physicians, making it easy for practicing clinicians to interact with colleagues from around the world to discuss the latest and highest impact research. FOAM has the potential to decrease the knowledge translation gap, but the concerns raised about its growing influence are 1) research that is translated too quickly may cause harm if its findings are incorrect; 2) there is little editorial oversight of online material; and 3) eminent online individuals may develop an outsized influence on clinical practice. We propose that new types of scholars are emerging to moderate the changing landscape of knowledge translation: 1)critical clinicianswho critically appraise research in the same way that lay reviewers critique restaurants; 2)translational teachersadept with these new technologies who will work with researchers to disseminate their findings effectively; and 3)interactive investigatorswho engage with clinicians to ensure that their findings resonate and are applied at the bedside. The development of these scholars could build on the promise of evidence-based medicine by enhancing the appraisal and translation of research in practice.
Team goal orientation composition, team efficacy, and team performance: The separate roles of team leader and members
Authors: Huang Chiung-Yi , Huang Jia-Chi , Chang Yuhsuan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis study aims to examine team goal orientation composition regarding the different roles of a leader’s and team members’ collective goal orientation, and the effects of these on team outcomes. Data included 268 respondents from 64 teams. Results showed team members’ learning goal orientation has positive effect on team performance, mediated by team efficacy. Further, for the role of team leader, the results also revealed the same pattern. Study also showed a leader’s performance goal orientation has negatively related on team performance, mediated by team efficacy. Finally, taking both roles simultaneously, study indicated the interaction between a leader’s and members’ performance goal orientation has negatively related to team efficacy, and the interaction between a leader’s and members’ learning goal orientation has negatively related to team performance. This research contributes to the existing goal orientation theory by taking the different roles of team leader and members into consideration.
Multiple fire-related cues stimulate germination inChaenorhinum rubrifolium(Plantaginaceae), a rare annual in the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Tavşanoğlu Çağatay , Ergan Gökhan , Çatav Ş. Serter , Zare Golshan , Küçükakyüz Köksal , Özüdoğru Barış 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn Mediterranean fire-prone ecosystems, annual species specific to post-fire habitats should have a soil seed bank and should be able to germinate after a fire. Therefore, various fire-related cues can be expected to stimulate germination in post-fire annuals. Germination patterns of the rare annualChaenorhinum rubrifolium(Plantaginaceae) were examined in response to mechanical scarification, heat shock, aqueous smoke, nitrogenous compounds, gibberellic acid, karrikinolide (KAR1), and mandelonitrile (a cyanohydrin analogue, MAN) under dark and photoperiod conditions in the laboratory. Combinations of these treatments were also included in the experiment. Strong physiological dormancy in the seeds ofC. rubrifoliumwas partially broken by several fire-related germination cues, including smoke and nitrate, under light conditions. KAR1and MAN also stimulated germination, and the highest improvement in germination was achieved in the KAR1treatment in the presence of light. Heat shock + smoke and KAR1+ MAN combinations had positive synergetic and additive effects on germination under light conditions, respectively. The light played a crucial role in the promotion of germination. The results suggest that multiple fire-related cues operate to stimulate germination inC. rubrifolium, an annual species from the Mediterranean Basin. However, the species may have a broader germination niche than a fire-restricted one.
A Theoretical Component of Political Inegalitarianism in Perso-Islamicate Thought
Authors: SHOMALI ALIREZA 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe disparity of human intellects dictum imposes an a priori limit of thinking and imagining that partially precludes the emergence of democratic thought in the Iranian commonsense. This paper presents three exemplary accounts of the disparity dictum in Perso-Islamicate philosophical and mystical traditions – by Ghazzali, Sadra and Molavi. The goal is to see how, despite varying verbalism, these thinkers share the view that human beings are not ultimately unified – and, accordingly, that humans cannot have equal rights to political power.
Stability of the cancer target DDIAS is regulated by the CHIP/HSP70 pathway in lung cancer cells
Authors: Won Kyoung-Jae , Im Joo-Young , Kim Bo-Kyung , Ban Hyun Seung , Jung Young-Jin , Jung Kyeong Eun , Won Misun 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDNA damage-induced apoptosis suppressor (DDIAS) rescues lung cancer cells from apoptosis in response to DNA damage. DDIAS is transcriptionally activated by NFATc1 and EGF-mediated ERK5/MEF2B, leading to cisplatin resistance and cell invasion. Therefore, DDIAS is suggested as a therapeutic target for lung cancer. Here, we report that DDIAS stability is regulated by E3 U-box ubiquitin ligase carboxyl terminus of HSP70-interacting protein (CHIP)-mediated proteasomal degradation. We first isolated CHIP as an interacting partner of DDIAS by yeast two-hybrid screening. CHIP physically associated with both the N- and C-terminal regions of DDIAS, targeting it for proteasomal degradation and reducing the DDIAS half-life. CHIP overexpression analyses indicated that the tetratrico peptide repeat (TPR) domain and the U-box are required for DDIAS ubiquitination. It is likely that HSP70-bound DDIAS is recruited to the CHIP E3 ligase via the TPR domain, suggesting DDIAS as a client protein of HSP70. In addition, CHIP overexpression in lung cancer cells expressing high DDIAS levels induced significant growth inhibition by enhancing DDIAS degradation. Furthermore, simultaneous CHIP overexpression and DNA damage agent treatment caused a substantial increase in the apoptosis of lung cancer cells. Taken together, these findings indicate that the stability of the DDIAS protein is regulated by CHIP/HSP70-mediated proteasomal degradation and that CHIP overexpression stimulates the apoptosis of lung cancer cells in response to DNA-damaging agents.
The modified patient enablement instrument: a Portuguese cross-cultural adaptation, validity and reliability study
Authors: Remelhe Mafalda , Teixeira Pedro M , Lopes Irene , Silva Luís , Correia de Sousa Jaime 
Published: January 2017

AbstractEnabling patients with asthma to obtain the knowledge, confidence and skills they need in order to assume a major role in the management of their disease is cost effective. It should be an integral part of any plan for long-term control of asthma. The modified Patient Enablement Instrument (mPEI) is an easily administered questionnaire that was adapted in the United Kingdom to measure patient enablement in asthma, but its applicability in Portugal is not known. Validity and reliability of questionnaires should be tested before use in settings different from those of the original version. The purpose of this study was to test the applicability of the mPEI to Portuguese asthma patients after translation and cross-cultural adaptation, and to verify the structural validity, internal consistency and reproducibility of the instrument. The mPEI was translated to Portuguese and back translated to English. Its content validity was assessed by a debriefing interview with 10 asthma patients. The translated instrument was then administered to a random sample of 142 patients with persistent asthma. Structural validity and internal consistency were assessed. For reproducibility analysis, 86 patients completed the instrument again 7 days later. Item-scale correlations and exploratory factor analysis were used to assess structural validity. Cronbach’s alpha was used to test internal consistency, and the intra-class correlation coefficient was used for the analysis of reproducibility. All items of the Portuguese version of the mPEI were found to be equivalent to the original English version. There were strong item-scale correlations that confirmed construct validity, with a one component structure and good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha >0.8) as well as high test–retest reliability (ICC=0.85). The mPEI showed sound psychometric properties for the evaluation of enablement in patients with asthma making it a reliable instrument for use in research and clinical practice in Portugal. Further studies are needed to confirm its responsiveness.