bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Agreement Between Radiologic and Clinical Measurements of Lumbar and Cervical Epidural Depths in Patients Undergoing Prone Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection
Authors: Jones James Harvey , Singh Naileshni , Nidecker Anna , Li Chin-Shang , Fishman Scott 
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND:
Fluoroscopy-guided epidural steroid injection (ESI) commonly is performed to treat radicular pain yet can lead to adverse events if the needle is not advanced with precision. Accurate preoperative assessment of the distance from the skin to the epidural space holds the potential for reducing the risks of adverse effects from ESI. It was hypothesized that the distance from the skin to the epidural space as measured on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) would agree with the distance traveled by a Tuohy needle to reach the epidural space during midline, interlaminar ESI. This study compared the final needle depth measurement at the point of loss of resistance (LOR) from cervical or lumbar ESI to the distance from the skin to the anterior and posterior borders of the epidural space on the associated cervical and lumbar preoperative MRI.

METHODS:
This retrospective chart review analyzed the procedure notes, MRI, and demographic data of patients who received a prone, interlaminar ESI at an outpatient chronic pain clinic between June 1, 2013, and June 1, 2015. The following data were collected: body mass index (BMI), age, sex, intervertebral level of the ESI, and LOR depth. We then measured the distance from the skin surface to the anterior border of the ligamentum flavum (ligamentum flavum depth [LFD]) and dura (dura depth [DD]) on MRI. A total of 335 patients were categorized into the following patient subgroups: age ≥65 years, age <65 years, BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (obese), BMI <30 kg/m2 (nonobese), male, and female. Secondary analyses were then performed to compare the agreement between LOR depth and DD with that between LOR depth and LFD within each patient subgroup. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plot were used to assess the agreement between DD or LFD and LOR depth.

RESULTS:
Data from 335 ESIs were analyzed, including 147 cervical ESIs and 188 lumbar ESIs. Estimated ICC values for the agreement between LOR depth and LFD for all lumbar and cervical measurements were 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85–0.91) and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.64–0.79), respectively. Estimated ICC values for the agreement between LOR depth and DD for all lumbar and cervical measurements were 0.86 (95% CI, 0.82–0.89) and 0.69 (95% CI, 0.60–0.77), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:
This study assessed the agreement between MRI-derived measurements of epidural depth and those determined clinically. MRI-derived measurements from the skin to the anterior border of the ligamentum flavum, which represents the most posterior aspect of the epidural space, revealed stronger agreement with LOR depths than did measurements to the dura or the most anterior aspect of the epidural space. These results require further analysis and refinement before supporting clinical application.
Myosin VI facilitates connexin 43 gap junction accretion
Authors: Waxse Bennett J. , Sengupta Prabuddha , Hesketh Geoffrey G. , Lippincott-Schwartz Jennifer , Buss Folma 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT
In this study, we demonstrate myosin VI enrichment at Cx43 (also known as GJA1)-containing gap junctions (GJs) in heart tissue, primary cardiomyocytes and cell culture models. In primary cardiac tissue and in fibroblasts from the myosin VI-null mouse as well as in tissue culture cells transfected with siRNA against myosin VI, we observe reduced GJ plaque size with a concomitant reduction in intercellular communication, as shown by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and a new method of selective calcein administration. Analysis of the molecular role of myosin VI in Cx43 trafficking indicates that myosin VI is dispensable for the delivery of Cx43 to the cell surface and connexon movement in the plasma membrane. Furthermore, we cannot corroborate clathrin or Dab2 localization at gap junctions and we do not observe a function for the myosin-VI–Dab2 complex in clathrin-dependent endocytosis of annular gap junctions. Instead, we found that myosin VI was localized at the edge of Cx43 plaques by using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy and use FRAP to identify a plaque accretion defect as the primary manifestation of myosin VI loss in Cx43 homeostasis. A fuller understanding of this derangement may explain the cardiomyopathy or gliosis associated with the loss of myosin VI.
Stress-specific differences in assembly and composition of stress granules and related foci
Authors: Aulas Anaïs , Fay Marta M. , Lyons Shawn M. , Achorn Christopher A. , Kedersha Nancy , Anderson Paul , Ivanov Pavel 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT
Cells have developed different mechanisms to respond to stress, including the formation of cytoplasmic foci known as stress granules (SGs). SGs are dynamic and formed as a result of stress-induced inhibition of translation. Despite enormous interest in SGs due to their contribution to the pathogenesis of several human diseases, many aspects of SG formation are poorly understood. SGs induced by different stresses are generally assumed to be uniform, although some studies suggest that different SG subtypes and SG-like cytoplasmic foci exist. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of SG assembly and characterized their composition when induced by various stresses. Our data revealed stress-specific differences in composition, assembly and dynamics of SGs and SG-like cytoplasmic foci. Using a set of genetically modified haploid human cells, we determined the molecular circuitry of stress-specific translation inhibition upstream of SG formation and its relation to cell survival. Finally, our studies characterize cytoplasmic stress-induced foci related to, but distinct from, canonical SGs, and also introduce haploid cells as a valuable resource to study RNA granules and translation control mechanisms.
The lateral line confers evolutionarily derived sleep loss in the Mexican cavefish
Authors: Jaggard James , Robinson Beatriz G. , Stahl Bethany A. , Oh Ian , Masek Pavel , Yoshizawa Masato , Keene Alex C. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT
Sleep is an essential behavior exhibited by nearly all animals, and disruption of this process is associated with an array of physiological and behavioral deficits. Sleep is defined by changes in sensory gating that reduce sensory input to the brain, but little is known about the neural basis for interactions between sleep and sensory processing. Blind Mexican cavefish comprise an extant surface dwelling form and 29 cave morphs that have independently evolved increased numbers of mechanoreceptive lateral line neuromasts and convergent evolution of sleep loss. Ablation of the lateral line enhanced sleep in the Pachón cavefish population, suggesting that heightened sensory input underlies evolutionarily derived sleep loss. Targeted lateral line ablation and behavioral analysis localized the wake-promoting neuromasts in Pachón cavefish to superficial neuromasts of the trunk and cranial regions. Strikingly, lateral line ablation did not affect sleep in four other cavefish populations, suggesting that distinct neural mechanisms regulate the evolution of sleep loss in independently derived cavefish populations. Cavefish are subject to seasonal changes in food availability, raising the possibility that sensory modulation of sleep is influenced by metabolic state. We found that starvation promotes sleep in Pachón cavefish, and is not enhanced by lateral line ablation, suggesting that functional interactions occur between sensory and metabolic regulation of sleep. Taken together, these findings support a model where sensory processing contributes to evolutionarily derived changes in sleep that are modulated in accordance with food availability.
A new cue for torpor induction: charcoal, ash and smoke
Authors: Stawski Clare , Nowack Julia , Körtner Gerhard , Geiser Fritz 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT
Recent work has shown that the use of torpor for energy conservation increases after forest fires in heterothermic mammals, probably in response to the reduction of food. However, the specific environmental cues for this increased torpor expression remain unknown. It is possible that smoke and the novel substrate of charcoal and ash act as signals for an impending period of starvation requiring torpor. We therefore tested the hypothesis that the combined cues of smoke, a charcoal/ash substrate and food shortage will enhance torpor expression in a small forest-dwelling marsupial, the yellow-footed antechinus (Antechinus flavipes), because like other animals that live in fire-prone habitats they must effectively respond to fires to ensure survival. Activity and body temperature patterns of individuals in outdoor aviaries were measured under natural environmental conditions. All individuals were strictly nocturnal, but diurnal activity was observed shortly after smoke exposure. Overall, torpor in females was longer and deeper than that in males. Interestingly, while both males and females increased daily torpor duration during food restriction by &gt;2-fold as anticipated, a combination of food restriction and smoke exposure on a charcoal/ash substrate further increased daily torpor duration by ∼2-fold in both sexes. These data show that this combination of cues for torpor induction is stronger than food shortage on its own. Our study provides significant new information on how a small forest-dwelling mammal responds to fire cues during and immediately after a fire and identifies a new, not previously recognised, regulatory mechanism for thermal biology in mammals.
Laser-Induced Single Microdroplet Formation and Simultaneous Water-to-Single Microdroplet Extraction/Detection in Aqueous 1-Butanol Solutions
Authors: Kitamura Noboru , Konno Kumiko , Ishizaka Shoji 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Focused 1064-nm laser beam irradiation to an aqueous 1-butanol (BuOH) solution (7.1–7.4 wt % in H2O) resulted in formation of a single picoliter-volume BuOH droplet. Since water (H2O) absorbs 1064-nm laser light, an aqueous BuOH solution at the laser beam focus is heated via photo-thermal effects and this leads to thermal phase separation of the solution, producing a single BuOH microdroplet. In the presence of a fluorescent dye (10−5–10−7 mol/dm3) in an aqueous BuOH solution, the dye was extracted from the surrounding water phase to the BuOH droplet produced by laser irradiation as demonstrated by in situ fluorescence and Raman microspectroscopies. The present laser-induced water-to-single microdroplet extraction/detection was also extended successfully to that under pressure-driven and electroosmotic flow conditions in microflow devices. In both cases, the single BuOH microdroplets produced by 1064-nm laser irradiation were optically trapped against flow of the solution. Under electroosmotic flow conditions, highly sensitive detection of a fluorescent Al3+-chelate complex injected to an electrophoresis capillary tube was also achieved successfully by single BuOH microdroplet formation and simultaneous extraction of the Al3+ chelate to the droplet by 1064-nm laser irradiation.
The Reproducibility and Reliability of UV–vis Higher-Order Derivative Spectroscopy for Quantitative Analysis of Spectral Changes
Authors: Ichimura Kunihiro 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The reproducibility of higher-order derivative spectra of aqueous solutions of N-methyl-4-(p-formylstyryl)pyridinium salt (FSbQ) as a model compound were examined by the conversion of UV–vis absorption spectra taken on six spectrophotometers into derivatives with aid of software for data analysis as a common tool for differentiation and smoothing. The spectral shapes of crude fourth and eighth derivatives were not only quite noisy, but also considerably dependent on the spectrophotometers. Savizky–Golay smoothing under the same and appropriate conditions, however, provided satisfactorily identical derivative-spectra, confirming the reproducibility of derivative spectroscopy. In order to reveal the reliability of the quantitative analysis on the basis of Beer’s law, absorbances (A) of aqueous solutions of FSbQ were plotted against dnA/dλn (Dn) values at subpeaks of the fourth as well as eighth derivatives. Excellent linearity between A and Dn was disclosed when A is smaller than ca. 1, leading to the confirmation that Dn values are usable for kinetic studies on the photoisomerization of FSbQ as an example.
Better than we thought? The diagnostic performance of an influenza point-of-care test in children, a Bayesian re-analysis
Authors: Lee Joseph 
Published: January 2017

Background: Point-of-care tests (POCTs) for influenza have been criticised for their diagnostic accuracy, with clinical use limited by low sensitivity. These criticisms are based on diagnostic-accuracy studies that often use the questionable assumption of an infallible gold standard. Bayesian latent class modelling can estimate diagnostic performance without this assumption. Methods: Data extracted from published diagnostic-accuracy studies comparing the QuickVue® influenza A+B influenza POCT to reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in two different populations were re-analysed. Classical and Bayesian latent class methods were applied using the Modelling for Infectious diseases CEntre (MICE) web-based application. Results: Under classical analyses the estimated sensitivity and specificity of the QuickVue® were 66.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 61.4-71.9) and 97.8% (95% CI 95.7-98.9), respectively. Bayesian latent class models estimated sensitivity of 97.8% (95% credible interval (CrI) 82.1-100) and specificity of 98.5% (95% CrI 96.5-100). Conclusions: Data from studies comparing the QuickVue® point-of-care test to RT-PCR are compatible with better diagnostic performance than previously reported.
Studying sales in terms of export performance: A quantitative research for the border gate of Sarp<p>Satışların ihracat performansı açısından araştırılması: Sarp sınır kapısında nicel bir çalışma
Authors: Toklu İsmail Tamer 
Published: January 2017

Sales made to foreigners by SMEs in Sarp border region are an important commercial activity. A large number of entrepreneurs continue to increase their activities in order to benefit from the advantages of the border region. The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of marketing strategy, entrepreneurship, market attractiveness and foreign trade barriers on sales in terms of export performance. The research data were collected from SMEs operating around Sarp border gate in Hopa/Artvin at Turkey-Georgian border by using convenience sampling method with face to face interview. SPSS and PLS structural equation modelling were used in analyzing the data. According to the findings of the study; marketing strategy, entrepreneurship and market attractiveness were found positively significant on sales performance. But, the effect of the defined barriers on sales performance was not found significant. This study examines the sales at the border region and offers valuable information to the parties interested in the topic. ÖzetSarp sınır bölgesindeki KOBİ’lerin yabancılara yaptığı satışlar önemli bir ticari faaliyettir. Çok sayıda girişimci bölgenin avantajından yararlanabilmek için bu sınır bölgesinde faaliyetlerini arttırarak devam ettirmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı pazarlama stratejisi, girişimcilik, pazar çekiciliği ve dış ticaret engellerinin satışlara ihracat performansı açısından etkilerini incelemektedir. Araştırma için oluşturulan modelinin verileri kolayda örnekleme yöntemiyle Türkiye-Gürcistan sınırındaki Hopa/Artvin Sarp bölgesindeki işletmelerle yüz yüze yapılan anketlerden elde edilmiştir. Verilerin analiz edilmesinde SPSS ve PLS yapısal eşitlik modellemesi kullanılmıştır. Araştırmadan elde edilen bulgulara göre; pazarlama stratejisi, girişimcilik ve pazar çekiciliğin satış performansını olumlu yönde etkilediği bulunmuştur. Ancak, tanımlanan engellerin satış performansı üzerindeki etkisi anlamlı bulunmamıştır. Bu çalışma sınır bölgesindeki satışları incelemekte ve konuyla ilgilenen taraflara değerli bilgiler sunmaktadır.
Determination of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase cut-off values in a Tunisian population
Authors: Laouini Naouel , Sahli Chaima Abdelhafidh , Jouini Latifa , Haloui Sabrine , Fredj Sondes Hadj , Daboubi Rym , Siala Hajer , Ouali Faida , Becher Meriam , Toumi Nourelhouda , Bibi Amina , Messsaoud Taieb 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground:Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the commonest enzymopathy worldwide. The incidence depends essentially on the methods used for the assessment. In this respect, we attempted in this study to set cut-off values of G6PD activity to discriminate among normal, heterozygous, and deficient individuals using the World Health Organization (WHO) classification and the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis.Methods:Blood samples from 250 female and 302 male subjects were enrolled in this study. The G6PD activity was determined using a quantitative assay. The common G6PD mutations in Tunisia were determined using the amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS-PCR) method. The ROC curve was used to choice the best cut-off.Results:Normal G6PD values were 7.69±2.37, 7.86±2.39, and 7.51±2.35 U/g Hb for the entire, male, and female groups, respectively. Cut-off values for the total, male, and female were determined using the WHO classification and ROC curves analysis. In the male population, both cut-offs established using ROC curve analysis (4.00 U/g Hb) and the 60% level (3.82 U/g Hb), respectively are sensitive and specific resulting in a good efficiency of discrimination between deficient and normal males. For the female group the ROC cut-off (5.84 U/g Hb) seems better than the 60% level cut-off (3.88 U/g Hb) to discriminate between normal and heterozygote or homozygote women with higher Youden Index.Conclusions:The establishment of the normal values for a population is important for a better evaluation of the assay result. The ROC curve analysis is an alternative method to determine the status of patients since it correlates DNA analysis and G6PD activity.
Characterisation of localised corrosion behaviour of Ti-Ta-Mo alloy for the nuclear industry
Authors: Mutlu Ilven 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn this study, Ti-Ta-Mo alloy specimens were produced by powder metallurgy for the nuclear industry. For evaluating application of Ti alloys as components for nuclear fuel reprocessing plants, corrosion behaviour of Ti-Ta-Mo alloy was investigated. Localised corrosion (crevice and pitting) behaviour of the Ti-Ta-Mo alloys containing 5–15 wt.% Mo was investigated in 10 wt.% NaCl solution. The effect of composition of the alloys on the corrosion behaviour of specimens was studied. Resistance against localised attack was found to depend on the Mo content of the alloys. Mechanical properties (Young’s modulus) of the specimens were investigated by nondestructive ultrasonic tests.
A safe, efficient and environment friendly biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Leucaena leucocephala seed extract and its antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal activities and potential in sensing
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Sharma Priyanka , Bamal Aditi , Negi Sushma , Chaudhary Savita 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
One step green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from silver nitrate (AgNO3) using Leucaena leucocephala seeds extract as the reducing agent at room temperature was performed. The bioreduced NPs were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. Qualitative information of major components in the seed extract was obtained through its phytochemical screening. The phytochemical data of L. leucocephala revealed the presence of terpenes, flavonoids, coumarins and sterols. The reaction was optimized for AgNO3, extract concentration and time duration for the reaction. The obtained NPs showed a characteristic UV peak of AgNPs at 420 nm. TEM and SEM images showed the spherical shaped NPs over which the extract coating was very prominent. The binding of L. leucocephala seeds extract onto NPs was tested using FTIR and TGA. The antifungal activity of the as-synthesized NPs against two fungal species, namely Phlebiopsis gigantea and Echinodontium taxodii, was studied. The antimicrobial effect of the as-synthesized NPs was ascertained against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The antioxidant potential of the AgNPs was tested with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging. Also, the sensitivity of the NPs towards Fe3+ ions was tested in aqueous media.
Mono- and bis-dipicolinic acid heterocyclic derivatives – thiosemicarbazides, triazoles, oxadiazoles and thiazolidinones as antifungal and antioxidant agents
Authors: Molnar Maja , Pavić Valentina , Šarkanj Bojan , Čačić Milan , Vuković Dubravka , Klenkar Jelena 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
A series of dipicolinic acid derivatives was synthesized and investigated for antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. Mono and bis derivatives of ethyl dipicolinate were utilized as starting materials for synthesis of mono- and bis-hydrazides. Thiosemicarbazides were obtained by reaction of hydrazides with isothiocyanates and cyclized into triazoles, thiadiazoles, oxadiazoles and thiazolidinones. Some of these products, especially those incorporating a thiazolidinone moiety in their structure, are excellent antioxidants, DPPH scavengers and antifungal agents.
Browning of white adipose tissue: lessons from experimental models
Authors: Bargut Thereza Cristina Lonzetti , Souza-Mello Vanessa , Aguila Marcia Barbosa , Mandarim-de-Lacerda Carlos Alberto 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Beige or brite (brown-in-white) adipocytes are present in white adipose tissue (WAT) and have a white fat-like phenotype that when stimulated acquires a brown fat-like phenotype, leading to increased thermogenesis. This phenomenon is known as browning and is more likely to occur in subcutaneous fat depots. Browning involves the expression of many transcription factors, such as PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, and of uncoupling protein (UCP)-1, which is the hallmark of thermogenesis. Recent papers pointed that browning can occur in the WAT of humans, with beneficial metabolic effects. This fact indicates that these cells can be targeted to treat a range of diseases, with both pharmacological and nutritional activators. Pharmacological approaches to induce browning include the use of PPAR-α agonist, adrenergic receptor stimulation, thyroid hormone administration, irisin and FGF21 induction. Most of them act through the induction of PPAR-γ coactivator (PGC) 1-α and the consequent mitochondrial biogenesis and UCP1 induction. About the nutritional inducers, several compounds have been described with multiple mechanisms of action. Some of these activators include specific amino acids restriction, capsaicin, bile acids, Resveratrol, and retinoic acid. Besides that, some classes of lipids, as well as many plant extracts, have also been implicated in the browning of WAT. In conclusion, the discovery of browning in human WAT opens the possibility to target the adipose tissue to fight a range of diseases. Studies have arisen showing promising results and bringing new opportunities in thermogenesis and obesity control.