bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain structural alterations in obese children with and withoutPrader‐Willi Syndrome
Authors: Xu Mingze , Zhang Yi , von Deneen Karen M. , Zhu Huaiqiu , Gao Jia‐Hong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPrader‐Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic imprinting disorder that is mainly characterized by hyperphagia and childhood obesity. Previous neuroimaging studies revealed that there is a significant difference in brain activation patterns between obese children with and without PWS. However, whether there are differences in the brain structure of obese children with and without PWS remains elusive. In the current study, we used T1‐weighted and diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging to investigate alterations in the brain structure, such as the cortical volume and white matter integrity, in relation to this eating disorder in 12 children with PWS, 18 obese children without PWS (OB) and 18 healthy controls. Compared with the controls, both the PWS and OB groups exhibited alterations in cortical volume, with similar deficit patterns in 10 co‐varying brain regions in the bilateral dorsolateral and medial prefrontal cortices, right anterior cingulate cortex, and bilateral temporal lobe. The white matter integrities of the above regions were then examined with an analysis method based on probabilistic tractography. The PWS group exhibited distinct changes in the reduced fractional anisotropy of white matter fibers connected to the co‐varying regions, whereas the OB group did not. Our findings indicated that PWS and OB share similar gray matter alterations that are responsible for the development of eating disorders. Additionally, the distinct white matter alterations might explain the symptoms associated with food intake in PWS, including excessive hyperphagia and constant hunger.Hum Brain Mapp 38:4228–4238, 2017. ©2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Process‐based hydrological modelling: The potential of a bottom‐up approach for runoff predictions in ungauged catchments
Authors: Antonetti Manuel , Scherrer Simon , Kienzler Peter Matthias , Margreth Michael , Zappa Massimiliano 
Published: May 2017

AbstractConceptual rainfall–runoff models are a valuable tool for predictions in ungauged catchments. However, most of them rely on calibration to determine parameter values. Improving the representation of runoff processes in models is an attractive alternative to calibration. Such an approach requires a straightforward, a priori parameter allocation procedure applicable on a wide range of spatial scales. However, such a procedure has not been developed yet.In this paper, we introduce a process‐based runoff generation module (RGM‐PRO) as a spin‐off of the traditional runoff generation module of the PREVAH hydrological modelling system. RGM‐PRO is able to exploit information from maps of runoff types, which are developed on the basis of field investigations and expert knowledge. It is grid based, and within each grid cell, the process heterogeneity is considered to avoid information loss due to grid resolution. The new module is event based, and initial conditions are assimilated and downscaled from continuous simulations of PREVAH, which are also available for real‐time applications. Four parameter allocation strategies were developed, on the basis of the results of sprinkling experiments on 60‐m2 hillslope plots at several grassland locations in Switzerland, and were tested on five catchments on the Swiss Plateau and Prealps. For the same catchments, simulation results obtained with the best parameter allocation strategy were compared with those obtained with different configurations of the traditional runoff generation module of PREVAH, which was also applied as an event‐based module here. These configurations include a version that avoids calibration, one that transfers calibrated parameters, and one that uses regionalised parameter values.RGM‐PRO simulated heavy events in a more realistic way than the uncalibrated traditional runoff generation module of PREVAH, and, in some instances, it even exceeded the performance of the calibrated traditional one. The use of information on the spatial distribution of runoff types additionally proved to be valuable as a regionalisation technique and showed advantages over the other regionalisation approaches, also in terms of robustness and transferability.
Long Non‐Coding RNA MALAT1 Regulates ZEB1 Expression by Sponging miR‐143‐3p and Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression
Authors: Chen Lisha , Yao Hongbing , Wang Kai , Liu Xiangfeng 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in HCC. This study aimed to explore the effects of lncRNA MALAT1 on HCC development. MALAT1, ZEB1, and miR‐143‐3p in HCC tissues was detected by qRT‐PCR. Effect of MALAT1 on the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells was estimated by cell‐counting, wound‐healing, and transwell assays. Luciferase reporter assays were used to explore miR‐143‐3p's target, ZEB1. QRT‐PCR and Western blot were employed to determine the effects of MALAT1 or/and miR‐143‐3p on ZEB1 expression. MALAT1 was upregulated in HCC tissues. ZEB1 was a target of miR‐143‐3p. miR‐143‐3p binds with MALAT1, and was regulated by MALAT1. The regulation of MALAT1 on ZEB1 was mediated by miR‐143‐3p. Transfection with siR‐MALAT1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and invasion, while knockdown of miR‐181a partially reversed these effects. Our findings suggest that MALAT1 may regulate ZEB1 expression by sponging miR‐143‐3p and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4836–4843, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human Hairless Protein Roles in Skin/Hair and Emerging Connections to Brain and Other Cancers
Authors: Maatough Anas , Whitfield G. Kerr , Brook Lemlem , Hsieh David , Palade Patricia , Hsieh Jui‐Cheng 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTThe mammalian hairless protein (HR) is a 130 kDa nuclear transcription factor that is essential for proper skin and hair follicle function. Previous studies have focused on the role of HR in skin maintenance and hair cycling. However, the hairless gene (HR) is also expressed in brain and other tissues, where its role remains poorly understood. HR has been reported to contain functional domains that potentially serve in DNA binding, histone demethylation, nuclear translocation and protein–protein interactions. Indeed, HR has been shown to interact with and repress the action of the nuclear receptors for vitamin D and thyroid hormone as well as RAR‐related orphan receptor alpha, possibly via recruitment of histone deacetylases. HR may also have important functions in non‐skin tissues given that nearly 200 HR mutations have been identified in patients with various cancers, including prostate, breast, lung, melanoma, uterine, and glioma. This suggests that HR and/or mutants thereof have relevance to the growth and survival of cancer cells. For example, the reported intrinsic histone H3K9 demethylase activity of HR may activate dormant genes to contribute to carcinogenesis. Alternatively, the demonstrated ability of HR to interact with p53 and/or the p53 DNA response element to influence p53‐regulated pathways may explain, at least in part, why many cancers express mutated HR proteins. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of HR bioactions, how HR mutations may be contributing to alopecia as well as to cancer, and, finally, outline future directions in the study of this largely enigmatic nuclear protein. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 69–80, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Model‐Based Evaluation of Exenatide Effects on the QT Interval in Healthy Subjects Following Continuous IV Infusion
Authors: Cirincione Brenda , LaCreta Frank , Sager Philip , Mager Donald E. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractInvestigation of the cardiovascular proarrhythmic potential of a new chemical entity is now an integral part of drug development. Studies suggest that meals and glycemic changes can influence QT intervals, and a semimechanistic model has been developed that incorporates the effects of changes in glucose concentrations on heart rate (HR) and QT intervals. This analysis aimed to adapt the glucose‐HR‐QT model to incorporate the effects of exenatide, a drug that reduces postprandial increases in glucose concentrations. The final model includes stimulatory drug effects on glucose elimination and HR perturbations. The targeted and constant exenatide plasma concentrations (>200 pg/mL), via intravenous infusions at multiple dose levels, resulted in significant inhibition of glucose concentrations. The exenatide concentration associated with 50% of the stimulation of HR production was 584 pg/mL. After accounting for exenatide effects on glucose and HR, no additional drug effects were required to explain observed changes in the QT interval. Resulting glucose, HR, and QT profiles at all exenatide concentrations were adequately described. For therapeutic agents that alter glycemic conditions, particularly those that alter postprandial glucose, the QT interval cannot be directly compared to that with placebo without first accounting for confounding factors (eg, glucose) either through mathematical modeling or careful consideration of mealtime placement in the study design.
Influence of Meals and Glycemic Changes on QT Interval Dynamics
Authors: Cirincione Brenda , Sager Philip T. , Mager Donald E. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThorough QT/QTc studies have become an integral part of early drug development programs, with major clinical and regulatory implications. This analysis expands on existing pharmacodynamic models of QT interval analysis by incorporating the influence of glycemic changes on the QT interval in a semimechanistic manner. A total of 21 healthy subjects enrolled in an open‐label phase 1 pilot study and provided continuous electrocardiogram monitoring and plasma glucose and insulin concentrations associated with a 24‐hour baseline assessment. The data revealed a transient decrease in QTc, with peak suppression occurring approximately 3 hours after the meal. A semimechanistic modeling approach was applied to evaluate temporal delays between meals and subsequent changes that might influence QT measurements. The food effect was incorporated into a model of heart rate dynamics, and additional delayed effects of the meal on QT were incorporated using a glucose‐dependent hypothetical transit compartment. The final model helps to provide a foundation for the future design and analysis of QT studies that may be confounded by meals. This study has significant implications for QT study assessment following a meal or when a cohort is receiving a medication that influences postprandial glucose concentrations.
Synthesis of zeolite A using raw kaolin from Ethiopia and its application in removal of Cr(III) from tannery wastewater
Authors: Ayele Lijalem , Pérez Eduardo , Mayoral Álvaro , Chebude Yonas , Díaz Isabel 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe commercial production of zeolite A mainly involves costly synthetic chemicals. However, cheaper raw materials such as clay minerals, coal ashes, natural zeolites, solid wastes and industrial sludge have been tested. Based on this, the objective of the present study is synthesis of zeolite A from two sources of raw kaolins (Ansho and Bombowha) from Ethiopia and evaluation of its application in tannery wastewater treatment.RESULTSThe synthesis result indicated high crystallinity (>90%) of zeolite A using Ansho kaolin. Lower grade Bombowha kaolin yielded zeolite A with crystallinity of 80%. In the tannery wastewater treatment study, a real sample having chromium concentration of 2036 mg L−1 was treated, obtaining 99.8% removal and about 200 mg g−1 adsorption capacity of Cr(III) using 100 g L−1 and 5 g L−1 adsorbent dose, respectively. This indicated that the synthesized zeolite A has great potential for Cr(III) removal from tannery wastewater.CONCLUSIONIn this study, zeolite A has been synthesized from two sources of kaolin from Ethiopia and has been evaluated in tannery wastewater treatment. The synthesis result indicated the formation of crystals of zeolite A with optimum crystallinity of 91% and the material exhibited chromium removal efficiency of 99.8%. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
The current state and provisions for elderly patients with asthma
Authors: Iwanaga Takashi , Sano Hiroyuki , Tohda Yuji 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDemographic statistics of Japan indicate that it is moving toward a super‐aging society and, accordingly, the ratio of elderly patients with asthma is also increasing. An important point in diagnosing elderly patients with asthma is that the onset of asthma in old age, along with a history of smoking, differentiation, and complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease must be considered. Primary care physicians must understand the characteristics of elderly patients when treating them. When conducting inhalation therapy in any asthmatic patient, especially elderly asthmatic patients, it is important to teach the patients proper technique and sustain medication adherence. We believe this effort will lead to an improvement in controlling asthma as well as a decrease in the number of asthma deaths.
Art, Development and Peace Working with Adolescents Living in Internally Displaced People's Camps in Mindanao
Authors: Baú Valentina 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWithin a framework of Communication for Development in Peacebuilding, this article sheds light on the use of art forms such as puppetry and photography as communication channels among youth affected by conflict and displacement. The study presented here evaluates UNICEF Art for Development programme, which was carried out with adolescents living in transitory sites in the city of Zamboanga in 2015. Rather than focusing on the therapeutic effect of the activities, this investigation looks at their ability to provide adolescents living in the context of community‐based conflict—such as that of a displaced people's camp—with a safe space to participate and collaborate in art and media production to express themselves and communicate with one another. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relation of cross‐equatorial flow during winter and spring with South China Sea summer monsoon onset
Authors: Lin Ailan , Zhang Renhe , He Chao 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTThe relationship between cross‐equatorial flow (CEF) during winter and spring and the South China Sea summer monsoon (SCSSM) onset is investigated by data diagnoses for the period of 1979–2013 and numerical experiments. The SCSSM onset is found to have a significant negative correlation with the CEF nearby the Philippines in preceding January, February and March prior to SCSSM onset. A strong CEF during January, February and March tends to be succeeded by an early onset of SCSSM, whereas a weak CEF is likely to be followed by a late onset. The CEF in preceding months links with the SCSSM onset through the subtropical high over South China Sea and western North Pacific in April. The subtropical high in April is weak and eastward shifted (strong and westward shifted) when the CEF in preceding months is strong (weak). The weak and eastward shifted (strong and westward shifted) subtropical high favours (does not favour) the convection developing (depressing) over South China Sea, resulting in an early (late) onset of SCSSM. The anomalies of CEF nearby the Philippines in preceding months and its close relationship with subsequent subtropical high are caused by the sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) and atmospheric heating source over tropical western Pacific. The difference of SSTA between south and north of equator in tropical western Pacific and the corresponding atmospheric diabatic heating result in the anomalies of CEF in January, February and March, and impact the activity of subtropical high in April. The positive SSTA in tropical western Pacific, combining with the wet and warm climatic background over northern South China Sea and coastal areas of Southern China in April are favourable for a cyclonic circulation anomaly occurring over northern South China Sea. As a result, the subtropical high is weak and eastward shifted, and the SCSSM onset is early.
Spatio‐temporal characteristics of Indonesian drought related to El Niño events and its predictability using the multi‐model ensemble
Authors: Setiawan Amsari Mudzakir , Lee Woo‐Seop , Rhee Jinyoung 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTSpatio‐temporal drought characteristics related to weak, moderate, and strong El Niño events in the Indonesian region were investigated. The empirical orthogonal function (EOF) patterns of normalized monthly precipitation and Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) for the period 1950–2010 were analysed; the influence of El Niño events are better represented by SPI. The effects of El Niño events on meteorological drought were investigated based on a composite analysis. The effects of El Niño were more obvious during June–July–August and September–October–November, while they were not significant in March–April–May especially during weak and moderate El Niño events. Spatial distributions of affected areas varied by season, intensity of El Niño events, and local factors. During moderate and strong El Niño events, meteorological drought was more common in southern Sumatra, Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, southeastern Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua. Based on the spatial and temporal variability of droughts, the monthly or seasonal meteorological drought outlook can be improved by using SPI focusing more on the regions and seasons that are affected by El Niño events. The multi‐model ensemble (MME) forecast of SPI performed better for the target months of September to November even at medium lead times. The months are consistent with the period of serious El Niño effects on drought, implying that serious drought conditions during the most harshly affected season can be predicted using the MME forecast.
Trends of land surface heat fluxes on the Tibetan Plateau from 2001 to 2012
Authors: Han Cunbo , Ma Yaoming , Chen Xuelong , Su Zhongbo 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTA parameterization approach of effective roughness length was introduced into the Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) model to account for subgrid‐scale topographical influences. Regional distribution of land surface heat flux values (including net radiation flux, ground heat flux, sensible heat flux, and latent heat flux) was estimated on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) based on the SEBS model, and utilizing remote sensing products and reanalysis datasets. We then investigated annual trends in these fluxes for the period 2001–2012. It was found that land surface net radiation flux increased slightly, especially in high, mountainous regions and the central TP, and was influenced by glacial retreat and topsoil wetting, respectively. Sensible heat flux decreased overall, especially in the central and northern TP. In the Yarlung Zangbo River (YZR) Basin, the sensible heat flux increased because of a rise in the ground‐air temperature difference. The latent heat flux increased over the majority TP, except for areas in the YZR Basin. This can be attributed to increases in precipitation and vegetation greening.
Fingerprints of resistant Escherichia coli O157:H7 from vegetables and environmental samples
Authors: Abakpa Grace Onyukwo , Umoh Veronica J , Kamaruzaman Sijam , Ibekwe Mark 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDSome routes of transmission of Escherichia coli O157:H7 to fresh produce include contaminated irrigation water and manure polluted soils. The aim of the present study was to determine the genetic relationships of E. coli O157:H7 isolated from some produce growing region in Nigeria using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) DNA fingerprinting analysis. A total of 440 samples comprising leafy greens, irrigation water, manure and soil were obtained from vegetable producing regions in Kano and Plateau States, Nigeria. Genes coding for the quinolone resistance‐determinant (gyrA) and plasmid (pCT) coding for multidrug resistance (MDR) were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 16 isolates that showed MDR.RESULTSCluster analysis of the ERIC‐PCR profiles based on band sizes revealed six main clusters from the sixteen isolates analysed. The largest cluster (cluster 3) grouped isolates from vegetables and manure at a similarity coefficient of 0.72.CONCLUSIONThe present study provides data that support the potential transmission of resistant strains of E. coli O157:H7 from vegetables and environmental sources to humans with potential public health implications, especially in developing countries. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Mechanical analysis of the vascularized fibular graft prosthetic composite (VFGPC) for internal hemipelvectomy reconstruction
Authors: Morris Jonathan , Yang Rui , Roth Michael , Gill Jonathan , Gorlick Richard , Lo Yungtai , Hoang Bang H. , Garfein Evan , Geller David S. 
Published: May 2017

INTRODUCTIONThe vascularized fibular graft prosthetic composite (VFGPC) is used for reconstruction after internal hemipelvectomy. The purpose of this study was to create a mathematical model that calculates the mechanical effects of the vascularized fibular graft on the VFGPC.METHODSThe effects of the VFG positioning were calculated based on three‐dimensional static analyzes to determine the direction, magnitude, and distribution of the forces through the prosthesis and VFG. The shear stress (SS) and cyclic loads to failure (CLF) were calculated. By varying the location of the VFG on the sacrum the zone of acceptable placement was calculated.RESULTSUtilization of the VFG decreased the forces through the implant by 15‐35% and decreased SS 20‐54%, depending on stance. The CLF improved by 94%. The zone of acceptable placement for the VFG was found to be between 0° and 15° of the vertical axis in the sagittal plane and 0° and 30° of the posterior axis in coronal plane.CONCLUSIONDetermining the position of the VFG pre‐operatively allows for the creation of a customized cutting jig can be utilized to create graft allowing for accurate fibular osteotomies, minimization of ischemia time, and decreased intra‐operative handling of the graft.
Prognostic value of visceral pleural invasion in non‐small cell lung cancer: A propensity score matching study based on the SEER registry
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Sun Fenghao , Chen Li , Shi Mengkun , Shi Yu , Lin Zongwu , Feng Mingxiang , Zhan Cheng , Jiang Wei , Wang Qun 
Published: May 2017

Background and ObjectivesVisceral pleural invasion (VPI) is considered a poor prognostic factor in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We aimed to analyze the effect of VPI on cancer‐specific survival, using propensity score matching (PSM) based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database.MethodsWe identified 9901 patients with T1‐2N0‐2M0 who received segmentectomy, lobectomy, or pneumonectomy. Ten covariates were included in PSM. The effect of VPI on survival was assessed, stratified by nodal status and tumor size.ResultsOne‐thousand and eighty‐three pairs of patients were matched with standardized differences of covariates <10% after matching. We found that VPI was associated with a significantly worse survival (3‐year survival rate: 84.6% vs. 75.9%, P = 0.005), especially in N0 (P < 0.001), but not in N1 or N2. No significant difference was observed between the extent of VPI. Moreover, VPI conferred a significantly worse survival in tumors >1‐2 (P = 0.034) and >2–3 cm (P < 0.001), not ≤1, >3‐4, or >4‐5 cm in N0.ConclusionsVPI is a poor prognostic factor; but with increasing tumor size and nodal stage, its negative effect disappears. Our findings support current staging system which assigns higher T‐stage for early >1‐2 and >2‐3 cm tumors.