bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐Term Results After Single and Multiple Procedures of Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: DONATEO PAOLO , BOTTONI NICOLA , ODDONE DANIELE , QUARTIERI FABIO , IORI MATTEO , MAGGI ROBERTO , BRIGNOLE MICHELE 
Published: August 2016

VT AblationIntroductionThe aim of this study was to assess long‐term results after single and multiple procedures of catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT). While it is generally accepted that multiple procedures are sometimes necessary in order to achieve long‐term clinical success, the literature on this issue displays wide variability.MethodsWe assessed the outcome of 160 consecutive patients who underwent 214 ablation procedures in the period 2008 to May 2015: 93 had overt structural heart disease (SHD) (previous myocardial infarction in 74 cases) and 67 had no SHD.ResultsAfter the first procedure, the 1‐year actuarial recurrence rates were 25% in patients with SHD and 5% in those without. However, recurrences increased progressively after the first year, reaching 46% and 35%, respectively, at 5 years. Overall, VT recurred in 35/93 (38%) patients with SHD and 22/67 (33%) patients without. Redo (1 to 4) procedures were performed in 28 (20%) patients with SHD and 18 (27%) patients without. After the last procedure, the 1‐year actuarial recurrence rates were 5% in patients with SHD and 7% in those without, and the corresponding rates at 5 years were 23% and 7%. During follow‐up, 21 patients died (all in the SHD group): no death was related to VT recurrence.ConclusionsDuring long‐term follow‐up, VT frequently recurs after the first procedure, both in patients with SHD and in those without; multiple procedures are needed in order to increase the success rate.
Activation of liver X receptor attenuates lysophosphatidylcholine‐induced IL‐8 expression in endothelial cells via the NF‐κB pathway and SUMOylation
Authors: Bi Xukun , Song Jiale , Gao Jing , Zhao Juanjuan , Wang Meihui , Scipione Corey A. , Koschinsky Marlys L. , Wang Zhao V. , Xu Shiming , Fu Guosheng 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe liver X receptor (LXR) is a cholesterol‐sensing nuclear receptor that has an established function in lipid metabolism; however, its role in inflammation is elusive. In this study, we showed that the LXR agonist GW3965 exhibited potent anti‐inflammatory activity by suppressing the firm adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells. To further address the mechanisms underlying the inhibition of inflammatory cell infiltration, we evaluated the effects of LXR agonist on interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) secretion and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) activation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The LXR agonist significantly inhibited lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)‐induced IL‐8 production in a dose‐dependent manner without appreciable cytotoxicity. Western blotting and the NF‐κB transcription activity assay showed that the LXR agonist inhibited p65 binding to the IL‐8 promoter in LPC‐stimulated HUVECs. Interestingly, knockdown of the indispensable small ubiquitin‐like modifier (SUMO) ligases Ubc9 and Histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) reversed the increase in IL‐8 induced by LPC. Furthermore, the LPC‐induced degradation of inhibitory κBα was delayed under the conditions of deficient SUMOylation or the treatment of LXR agonist. After enhancing SUMOylation by knockdown SUMO‐specific protease Sentrin‐specific protease 1 (SENP1), the inhibition of GW3965 was rescued on LPC‐mediated IL‐8 expression. These findings indicate that LXR‐mediated inflammatory gene repression correlates to the suppression of NF‐κB pathway and SUMOylation. Our results suggest that LXR agonist exerts the anti‐atherosclerotic role by attenuation of the NF‐κB pathway in endothelial cells.
Liver stiffness measurement predicts high‐grade post‐hepatectomy liver failure: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Chong Charing Ching‐Ning , Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Chan Anthony Wing‐Hung , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Fong Anthony Kwong‐wai , Cheung Yue‐Sun , Wong John , Lee Kit‐Fai , Chan Stephen L , Lai Paul Bo‐San , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackground and AimLiver stiffness measurement using transient elastography appears to be an excellent tool for detection of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis with high accuracy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of preoperative liver stiffness measurement in predicting post‐hepatectomy liver failure.MethodsA prospective cohort study of all consecutive patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma from February 2010 to August 2014 was studied. All patients received detailed preoperative assessments including liver stiffness measurement. The primary outcome was post‐hepatectomy liver failure according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery definition.ResultsA total of 255 patients were included. Liver stiffness measurement showed significant correlation with grade B or C post‐hepatectomy liver failure. (P = 0.003) Using the cutoff at 12 kPa, liver stiffness measurement had a sensitivity of 52.4% and specificity of 73.3% in predication of high‐grade (grade B or C) post‐hepatectomy liver failure. Liver stiffness measurement > 12 kPa was also an independent prognostic factor for both high‐grade post‐hepatectomy liver failure and major postoperative complications by multivariate analysis. The diagnostic accuracy was better in patients without right lobe tumor with an area under the receiver operating characteristic of 0.83 compared with an area under the receiver operating characteristic of only 0.62 in patients with right lobe tumor.ConclusionsLiver stiffness measurement using Fibroscan is good to predict high‐grade post‐hepatectomy liver failure especially in patients without right lobe tumor.
Monitoring Urban Copper Flows in Stockholm, Sweden: Implications of Changes Over Time
Authors: Amneklev Jennie , Augustsson Anna , Sörme Louise , Bergbäck Bo 
Published: August 2016

SummaryIn this study, a substance flow analysis (SFA) for copper (Cu) was conducted, in which the inflow, stock, and outflow (in the form of diffuse emissions to soil and water) for Stockholm were estimated for 2013 and compared with a previous study from 1995, hence allowing a discussion on changes over time. A large number of applications containing Cu were analyzed (including power cables, copper alloys, heavy electrical equipment, tap water systems, roofs, cars, various consumer electronics, wood preservatives, and contact cables for the railroad). The results show that the inflow of Cu to Stockholm has increased between 1995 and 2013, both in total and per person, mainly as the result of an increase in heavy electrical equipment, power cables, and cars. The stock remains relatively unchanged, whereas the outflow has increased. For the outflow, the emission increase from brake linings is of greatest quantitative importance, with an estimated 5.8 tonnes annual emission of Cu to the environment of Stockholm in 2013 compared to 3.9 tonnes in 1995. Given that increasing inflows of limited resources drive the global demand, continuous monitoring of flows through society and management of outflow routes are crucial, including improvement of national legislation and regional environmental plans as well as efforts to increase resource‐use efficiency and recycling.
Isoforms of the Erythropoietin receptor in dopaminergic neurons of the Substantia Nigra
Authors: Marcuzzi Federica , Zucchelli Silvia , Bertuzzi Maria , Santoro Claudio , Tell Gianluca , Carninci Piero , Gustincich Stefano 
Published: August 2016

AbstractErythropoietin receptor (EpoR) regulates erythrocytes differentiation in blood. In the brain, EpoR has been shown to protect several neuronal cell types from cell death, including the A9 dopaminergic neurons (DA) of the Substantia Nigra (SN). These cells form the nigrostriatal pathway and are devoted to the control of postural reflexes and voluntary movements. Selective degeneration of A9 DA neurons leads to Parkinson's disease. By the use of nanoCAGE, a technology that allows the identification of Transcription Start Sites (TSSs) at a genome‐wide level, we have described the promoter‐level expression atlas of mouse A9 DA neurons purified with Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM). Here, we identify mRNA variants of the Erythropoietin Receptor (DA‐EpoR) transcribed from alternative TSSs. Experimental validation and full‐length cDNA cloning is integrated with gene expression analysis in the FANTOM5 database. In DA neurons, the EpoR gene encodes for a N‐terminal truncated receptor. Based on STAT5 phosphorylation assays, we show that the new variant of N‐terminally truncated EpoR acts as decoy when co‐expressed with the full‐length form. A similar isoform is also found in human. This work highlights new complexities in the regulation of Erythropoietin (EPO) signaling in the brain.
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Infrequent Rebalancing, Return Autocorrelation, and Seasonality
Authors: BOGOUSSLAVSKY VINCENT 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTA model of infrequent rebalancing can explain specific predictability patterns in the time series and cross‐section of stock returns. First, infrequent rebalancing produces return autocorrelations that are consistent with empirical evidence from intraday returns and new evidence from daily returns. Autocorrelations can switch sign and become positive at the rebalancing horizon. Second, the cross‐sectional variance in expected returns is larger when more traders rebalance. This effect generates seasonality in the cross‐section of stock returns, which can help explain available empirical evidence.
Temperature is better than precipitation as a predictor of plant community assembly across a dryland region
Authors: Butterfield Bradley J. , Munson Seth M. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractQuestionHow closely do plant communities track climate? Research suggests that plant species converge toward similar environmental tolerances relative to the environments that they experience. Whether these patterns apply to severe environments or scale up to plant community‐level patterns of relative climatic tolerances is poorly understood. Using estimates of species' climatic tolerances acquired from occurrence records, we determined the contributions of individual species' climatic niche breadths and environmental filtering to the relationships between community‐average climatic tolerances and the local climates experienced by those communities.LocationSouthwestern United States drylands.MethodsInterspecific variation in niche breadth was assessed as a function of species' climatic optima (median climatic niche value). The relationships between climatic optima and tolerances were used as null expectations for the relationship between abundance‐weighted mean climatic tolerances of communities and the local climate of that community. Deviations from this null expectation indicate that species with greater or lesser climatic tolerances are favoured relative to co‐occurring species. The intensity of environmental filtering was estimated by comparing the range of climatic tolerances within each community to a null distribution generated from a random assembly algorithm.ResultsThe temperature niches of species were consistently symmetrical and of similar breadths, regardless of their temperature optima. In contrast, precipitation niches were skewed toward wetter conditions, and niche breadth increased with increasing precipitation optima. At the community level, relationships with climate were much stronger for temperature than for precipitation. Furthermore, cold and heat were stronger assembly filters than drought or precipitation, with the intensity of environmental filtering increasing at both ends of climatic gradients. Community‐average climatic tolerances did deviate significantly from null expectations, indicating that species with higher or lower relative climatic tolerances were favoured under certain conditions.ConclusionsDespite strong water limitation of plant performance in dryland ecosystems, communities tracked variation in temperature much more closely, intimating strong responses to anticipated temperature increases. Furthermore, abundance distributions were biased toward species with higher or lower relative climatic tolerances under different climatic conditions, but predictably so, indicating the need for assembly models that include processes other than simple environmental filtering.
Morphometric analysis and classification of the three‐dimensional geometry of shatter cones
Authors: Baratoux David , Bouley Sylvain , Reimold Wolf Uwe , Baratoux Lenka 
Published: August 2016

AbstractShatter cones are curved fractures decorated with divergent striations that are exclusively associated with impact metamorphism. The terminology “cone” was chosen from the observation of complete or near‐complete, roundish, axisymmetric objects with a well‐defined apex/apical area. It also imprecisely extends to the curved or subplanar fractures decorated with striations commonly observed at impact sites. The geometry of these objects is therefore highly variable but its significance was never addressed due to the lack of appropriate data. Here, we apply two methods to derive shape models of shatter cones. The first one is based on images acquired using a commercial camera and may be applied on large samples in the field. The second one uses an articulated arm equipped with a digital laser scanner and produces high‐resolution and precision shape models of hand‐sized samples. The analysis of 20 shape models of shatter cones from nine different impact sites indicates that the surface of shatter cones may be described by quadric surfaces and are generally consistent with hyperboloids, whereas occurrence of paraboloid objects cannot be ruled out. The surface characteristics are generally not consistent with the mathematical definition of a cone. The value of these shape models to discriminate between the different hypotheses of formation of shatter is still limited, as it remains to be resolved which type of surface pertains to which hypothesis. This requires theoretical developments, and experimental or numerical simulations of the propagation of tensile fractures associated with shock waves.
The provenance, formation, and implications of reduced carbon phases in Martian meteorites
Authors: Steele Andrew , McCubbin Francis M. , Fries Marc D. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThis review is intended to summarize the current observations of reduced carbon in Martian meteorites, differentiating between terrestrial contamination and carbon that is indigenous to Mars. Indeed, the identification of Martian organic matter is among the highest priority targets for robotic spacecraft missions in the next decade, including the Mars Science Laboratory and Mars 2020. Organic carbon compounds are essential building blocks of terrestrial life, so the occurrence and origin (biotic or abiotic) of organic compounds on Mars is of great significance; however, not all forms of reduced carbon are conducive to biological systems. This paper discusses the significance of reduced organic carbon (including methane) in Martian geological and astrobiological systems. Specifically, it summarizes current thinking on the nature, sources, and sinks of Martian organic carbon, a key component to Martian habitability. Based on this compilation, reduced organic carbon on Mars, including detections of methane in the Martian atmosphere, is best described through a combination of abiotic organic synthesis on Mars and infall of extraterrestrial carbonaceous material. Although conclusive signs of Martian life have yet to be revealed, we have developed a strategy for life detection on Mars that can be utilized in future life‐detection studies.
Microcomputed tomography and shock microdeformation studies on shatter cones
Authors: Zaag Patrice Tristan , Reimold Wolf Uwe , Hipsley Christy Anna 
Published: August 2016

AbstractOne of the aspects of impact cratering that are still not fully understood is the formation of shatter cones and related fracturing phenomena. Yet, shatter cones have been applied as an impact‐diagnostic criterion for decades without the role of shock waves and target rock defects in their formation having been elucidated ever. We have tested the application of the nondestructive microcomputed tomography (μCT) method to visualize the interior of shatter cones in order to possibly resolve links between fracture patterns and shatter cone surface features (striations and intervening “valleys”). Shatter‐coned samples from different impact sites and in different lithologies were investigated for their μCT suitability, with a shatter cone in sandstone from the Serra da Cangalha impact structure (Brazil) remaining as the most promising candidate because of the fracture resolution achieved. To validate the obtained CT data, the scanned specimen was cut into three orthogonal sets of thin sections. Scans with 13 μm resolution were obtained. μCT scans and microscopic analysis unraveled an orientation of subplanar fractures and related fluid inclusion trails, and planar fracture (PF) orientations in the interior of shatter cones. Planar deformation features (PDF) were observed predominantly near the shatter cone surface. Previously undescribed varieties of feather features (FF), in the form of lamellae emanating from curviplanar and curved fractures, as well as an “arrowhead”‐like FF development with microlamellae originating from both sides of a PF, were observed. The timing of shatter cone formation was investigated by establishing temporal relations to the generation of various shock microscopic effects. Shatter cones are, thus, generated post‐ or syn‐formation of PF, FF, subplanar fractures, and PDF. The earliest possible time for shatter cone formation is during the late stage of the compressional phase, that is, shock wave passage, of an impact event.
Sulla carnosa modulates root invertase activity in response to the inhibition of long‐distance sucrose transport under magnesium deficiency
Authors: Farhat N. , Smaoui A. , Maurousset L. , Porcheron B. , Lemoine R. , Abdelly C. , Rabhi M. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Being the principal product of photosynthesis, sucrose is involved in many metabolic processes in plants. As magnesium (Mg) is phloem mobile, an inverse relationship between Mg shortage and sugar accumulation in leaves is often observed.

Mg deficiency effects on carbohydrate contents and invertase activities were determined in Sulla carnosa Desf. Plants were grown hydroponically at different Mg concentrations (0.00, 0.01, 0.05 and 1.50 mM Mg) for one month.

Mineral analysis showed that Mg contents were drastically diminished in shoots and roots mainly at 0.01 and 0.00 mM Mg. This decline was adversely associated with a significant increase of sucrose, fructose and mainly glucose in shoots of plants exposed to severe deficiency. By contrast, sugar contents were severely reduced in roots of these plants indicating an alteration of carbohydrate partitioning between shoots and roots of Mg‐deficient plants. Cell wall invertase activity was highly enhanced in roots of Mg‐deficient plants, while the vacuolar invertase activity was reduced at 0.00 mM Mg. This decrease of vacuolar invertase activity may indicate the sensibility of roots to Mg starvation resulting from sucrose transport inhibition. 14CO2 labeling experiments were in accordance with these findings showing an inhibition of sucrose transport from source leaves to sink tissues (roots) under Mg depletion.

The obtained results confirm previous findings about Mg involvement in photosynthate loading into phloem and add new insights into mechanisms evolved by S. carnosa to cope with Mg shortage in particular the increase of the activity of cell wall invertase.
Heads I win; Tails you lose: Asymmetry in Exchange rate Pass-through into Import Prices
Authors: Brun-Aguerre Raphael , Fuertes Ana-Maria , Greenwood-Nimmo Matthew 
Published: August 2016

Summary
We analyse exchange rate pass-through into import prices for a large group of 33 emerging and developed economies from 1980, quarter 1, to 2010, quarter 4. Our error correction models permit asymmetric pass-through for currency appreciations and depreciations over three horizons of interest: on impact, in the short run and in the long run. We find that depreciations are typically passed through more strongly than appreciations in the long run, suggesting that exporters may exert a degree of long-run pricing power. This asymmetry is stronger in economies which are more import dependent but is moderated by freedom to trade and a positive output gap. Given that this pass-through asymmetry is welfare reducing for consumers in the destination market, a key macroeconomic implication is that import-dependent economies, in particular, can benefit from trade liberalization.
Is There a Free Lunch in Inference?
Authors: Rouder Jeffrey N. , Morey Richard D. , Verhagen Josine , Province Jordan M. , Wagenmakers Eric‐Jan 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe field of psychology, including cognitive science, is vexed by a crisis of confidence. Although the causes and solutions are varied, we focus here on a common logical problem in inference. The default mode of inference is significance testing, which has a free lunch property where researchers need not make detailed assumptions about the alternative to test the null hypothesis. We present the argument that there is no free lunch; that is, valid testing requires that researchers test the null against a well‐specified alternative. We show how this requirement follows from the basic tenets of conventional and Bayesian probability. Moreover, we show in both the conventional and Bayesian framework that not specifying the alternative may lead to rejections of the null hypothesis with scant evidence. We review both frequentist and Bayesian approaches to specifying alternatives, and we show how such specifications improve inference. The field of cognitive science will benefit because consideration of reasonable alternatives will undoubtedly sharpen the intellectual underpinnings of research.
Identification and characterization of the missing phosphatase on the riboflavin biosynthesis pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Sa Na , Rawat Renu , Thornburg Chelsea , Walker Kevin D. , Roje Sanja 
Published: August 2016

SummaryDespite the importance of riboflavin as the direct precursor of the cofactors flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN), the physiologically relevant catalyst dephosphorylating the riboflavin biosynthesis pathway intermediate 5‐amino‐6‐ribitylamino‐2,4(1H,3H) pyrimidinedione 5′‐phosphate (ARPP) has not been characterized from any organism. By using as the query sequence a previously identified plastidial FMN hydrolase AtcpFHy1 (At1g79790), belonging to the haloacid dehalogenase (HAD) superfamily, seven candidates for the missing ARPP phosphatase were found, cloned, recombinantly expressed, and purified. Activity screening showed that the enzymes encoded by AtcpFHy1, At4g11570, and At4g25840 catalyze dephosphorylation of ARPP. AtcpFHy1 was renamed AtcpFHy/PyrP1, At4g11570 and At4g25840 were named AtPyrP2 and AtGpp1/PyrP3, respectively. Subcellular localization in planta indicated that AtPyrP2 was localized in plastids and AtGpp1/PyrP3 in mitochondria. Biochemical characterization of AtcpFHy/PyrP1 and AtPyrP2 showed that they have similar Km values for the substrate ARPP, with AtcpFHy/PyrP1 having higher catalytic efficiency. Screening of 21 phosphorylated substrates showed that AtPyrP2 is specific for ARPP. Molecular weights of AtcpFHy/PyrP1 and AtPyrP2 were estimated at 46 and 72 kDa, suggesting dimers. pH and temperature optima for AtcpFHy/PyrP1 and AtPyrP2 were ~7.0–8.5 and 40–50°C. T‐DNA knockout of AtcpFHy/PyrP1 did not affect the flavin profile of the transgenic plants, whereas silencing of AtPyrP2 decreased accumulation of riboflavin, FMN, and FAD. Our results strongly support AtPyrP2 as the missing phosphatase on the riboflavin biosynthesis pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana. The identification of this enzyme closes a long‐standing gap in understanding of the riboflavin biosynthesis in plants.