bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Arabidopsis thiamin‐deficient mutant pale green1 lacks thiamin monophosphate phosphatase of the vitamin B1 biosynthesis pathway
Authors: Hsieh Wei‐Yu , Liao Jo‐Chien , Wang Hsin‐Tzu , Hung Tzu‐Huan , Tseng Ching‐Chih , Chung Tsui‐Yun , Hsieh Ming‐Hsiun 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThiamin diphosphate (TPP, vitamin B1) is an essential coenzyme present in all organisms. Animals obtain TPP from their diets, but plants synthesize TPPde novo. We isolated and characterized an Arabidopsis pale green1 (pale1) mutant that contained higher concentrations of thiamin monophosphate (TMP) and less thiamin and TPP than the wild type. Supplementation with thiamin, but not the thiazole and pyrimidine precursors, rescued the mutant phenotype, indicating that the pale1 mutant is a thiamin‐deficient mutant. Map‐based cloning and whole‐genome sequencing revealed that the pale1 mutant has a mutation in At5g32470 encoding a TMP phosphatase of the TPP biosynthesis pathway. We further confirmed that the mutation of At5g32470 is responsible for the mutant phenotypes by complementing the pale1 mutant with constructs overexpressing full‐length At5g32470. Most plant TPP biosynthetic enzymes are located in the chloroplasts and cytosol, but At5g32470‐GFP localized to the mitochondrion of the root, hypocotyl, mesophyll and guard cells of the 35S:At5g32470‐GFP complemented plants. The subcellular localization of a functional TMP phosphatase suggests that the complete vitamin B1 biosynthesis pathway may involve the chloroplasts, mitochondria and cytosol in plants. Analysis of PALE1 promoter‐uidA activity revealed that PALE1 is mainly expressed in vascular tissues of Arabidopsis seedlings. Quantitative RT‐PCR analysis of TPP biosynthesis genes and genes encoding the TPP‐dependent enzymes pyruvate dehydrogenase, α‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and transketolase revealed that the transcript levels of these genes were upregulated in the pale1 mutant. These results suggest that endogenous levels of TPP may affect the expression of genes involved in TPP biosynthesis and TPP‐dependent enzymes.
Role of Professional Women in Conflict Resolution and Peace Building in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
Authors: N. Iruloh Betty- Ruth , M. Uche Chineze 
Published: March 2017

Oil and gas activities in Southern part of Nigeria have exposed the region to environmental degradation and social vices. This problem has caused conflicts among stakeholders (government, community, companies, institutions, individuals), which has led to community clashes. These conflicts have resulted to the loss of lives and properties. They are also responsible for youth restiveness, low level of women empowerment and lack of peaceful coexistence in the region. This makes the promotion of understanding and dialogue to be a prime issue in the management of conflict, community peace and security. Professional women belong to professional bodies that spread into all works of life; academia, government, industry, legal institution, health sector, financial institutions, NGOs, security sector. This paper discussed issues on causes of conflict in Niger Delta, what roles should professional women play in attaining peace, global examples of professional women in conflict resolution, role of professional women in Niger Delta, way in which women engage in conflict resolution and challenges women face in conflict resolution and peace building. The paper concluded that time has come for everybody to be aware of gender equality and involvement in conflict resolution and peace building. Professional women need to intensify effort in achieving this.
Contribution of small conductance K+ channels to sinoatrial node pacemaker activity: insights from atrial‐specific Na+/Ca2+ exchange knockout mice
Authors: Torrente Angelo G. , Zhang Rui , Wang Heidi , Zaini Audrey , Kim Brian , Yue Xin , Philipson Kenneth D. , Goldhaber Joshua I. 
Published: March 2017

Key points
Repolarizing currents through K+ channels are essential for proper sinoatrial node (SAN) pacemaking, but the influence of intracellular Ca2+ on repolarization in the SAN is uncertain.
We identified all three isoforms of Ca2+‐activated small conductance K+ (SK) channels in the murine SAN.
SK channel blockade slows repolarization and subsequent depolarization of SAN cells.
In the atrial‐specific Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) knockout mouse, cellular Ca2+ accumulation during spontaneous SAN pacemaker activity produces intermittent hyperactivation of SK channels, leading to arrhythmic pauses alternating with bursts of pacing.
These findings suggest that Ca2+‐sensitive SK channels can translate changes in cellular Ca2+ into a repolarizing current capable of modulating pacemaking.
SK channels are a potential pharmacological target for modulating SAN rate or treating SAN dysfunction, particularly under conditions characterized by abnormal increases in diastolic Ca2+.
AbstractSmall conductance K+ (SK) channels have been implicated as modulators of spontaneous depolarization and electrical conduction that may be involved in cardiac arrhythmia. However, neither their presence nor their contribution to sinoatrial node (SAN) pacemaker activity has been investigated. Using quantitative PCR (q‐PCR), immunostaining and patch clamp recordings of membrane current and voltage, we identified all three SK isoforms (SK1, SK2 and SK3) in mouse SAN. Inhibition of SK channels with the specific blocker apamin prolonged action potentials (APs) in isolated SAN cells. Apamin also slowed diastolic depolarization and reduced pacemaker rate in isolated SAN cells and intact tissue. We investigated whether the Ca2+‐sensitive nature of SK channels could explain arrhythmic SAN pacemaker activity in the atrial‐specific Na+/Ca2+ exchange (NCX) knockout (KO) mouse, a model of cellular Ca2+ overload. SAN cells isolated from the NCX KO exhibited higher SK current than wildtype (WT) and apamin prolonged their APs. SK blockade partially suppressed the arrhythmic burst pacing pattern of intact NCX KO SAN tissue. We conclude that SK channels have demonstrable effects on SAN pacemaking in the mouse. Their Ca2+‐dependent activation translates changes in cellular Ca2+ into a repolarizing current capable of modulating regular pacemaking. This Ca2+ dependence also promotes abnormal automaticity when these channels are hyperactivated by elevated Ca2+. We propose SK channels as a potential target for modulating SAN rate, and for treating patients affected by SAN dysfunction, particularly in the setting of Ca2+ overload.
Using Artificial Intelligence to Improve Real-Time Decision-Making for High-Impact Weather
Authors: McGovern Amy , Elmore Kimberly L. , Gagne David John , Haupt Sue Ellen , Karstens Christopher D. , Lagerquist Ryan , Smith Travis , Williams John K. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractHigh-impact weather events, such as severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, cause significant disruptions to infrastructure, property loss, and even fatalities. High-impact events can also positively impact society, such as the impact on savings through renewable energy. Prediction of these events has improved substantially with greater observational capabilities, increased computing power, and better model physics, but there is still significant room for improvement. Artificial intelligence (AI) and data science technologies, specifically machine learning and data mining, bridge the gap between numerical model prediction and real-time guidance by improving accuracy. AI techniques also extract otherwise unavailable information from forecast models by fusing model output with observations to provide additional decision support for forecasters and users. In this work, we demonstrate that applying AI techniques along with a physical understanding of the environment can significantly improve the prediction skill for multiple types of high-impact weather. The AI approach is also a contribution to the growing field of computational sustainability. The authors specifically discuss the prediction of storm duration, severe wind, severe hail, precipitation classification, forecasting for renewable energy, and aviation turbulence. They also discuss how AI techniques can process “big data,” provide insights into high-impact weather phenomena, and improve our understanding of high-impact weather.
Electrification and Lightning in Idealized Simulations of a Hurricane-Like Vortex Subject to Wind Shear and Sea Surface Temperature Cooling
Authors: Fierro Alexandre O. , Mansell Edward R. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Relationships between intensity fluctuations, cloud microphysics, lightning variations, and electrical structures within idealized tropical cyclones are investigated with the cloud-resolving Collaborative Model for Multiscale Atmospheric Simulation (COMMAS). An initial strong tropical cyclone is subjected to either steady-state control conditions (CTRL), increased wind shear (SHEAR), or a reduction in sea surface temperature (SST).
In CTRL, nearly all the lightning (&gt;95%) occurred in the outer region (100 &lt; r ≤ 300 km) and was overall very episodic in the inner core (r ≤ 100 km), consistent with observations. The inner-core updrafts were weaker and experienced greater depletion of cloud water by warm rain processes, which, in contrast to the deeper updrafts in the rainband convection, reduced the mixed-phase cloud depth and confined the bulk of the charging and lightning initiations to lower levels.
Notably, larger flash rates were produced in the asymmetric inner core of the SHEAR case, with the majority of the flashes located in the downshear left quadrant, consistent with prior observational works. In contrast to CTRL, the more vigorous inner-core convection in SHEAR resulted in the formation of a prominent negative charge region and enhanced production of negative ground flashes.
With a nearly identical filling rate as SHEAR, the introduction of cooler sea surface temperature in the SST case caused lightning activity to fade rapidly in both the inner core and rainbands.
An Efficient Approach for Estimating Streamflow Forecast Skill Elasticity
Authors: Arnal Louise , Wood Andrew W. , Stephens Elisabeth , Cloke Hannah L. , Pappenberger Florian 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Seasonal streamflow prediction skill can derive from catchment initial hydrological conditions (IHCs) and from the future seasonal climate forecasts (SCFs) used to produce the hydrological forecasts. Although much effort has gone into producing state-of-the-art seasonal streamflow forecasts from improving IHCs and SCFs, these developments are expensive and time consuming and the forecasting skill is still limited in most parts of the world. Hence, sensitivity analyses are crucial to funnel the resources into useful modeling and forecasting developments. It is in this context that a sensitivity analysis technique, the variational ensemble streamflow prediction assessment (VESPA) approach, was recently introduced. VESPA can be used to quantify the expected improvements in seasonal streamflow forecast skill as a result of realistic improvements in its predictability sources (i.e., the IHCs and the SCFs)—termed “skill elasticity”—and to indicate where efforts should be targeted. The VESPA approach is, however, computationally expensive, relying on multiple hindcasts having varying levels of skill in IHCs and SCFs. This paper presents two approximations of the approach that are computationally inexpensive alternatives. These new methods were tested against the original VESPA results using 30 years of ensemble hindcasts for 18 catchments of the contiguous United States. The results suggest that one of the methods, end point blending, is an effective alternative for estimating the forecast skill elasticities yielded by the VESPA approach. The results also highlight the importance of the choice of verification score for a goal-oriented sensitivity analysis.
Ageostrophic Secondary Circulation in a Subtropical Intrathermocline Eddy
Authors: Barceló-Llull Bàrbara , Pallàs-Sanz Enric , Sangrà Pablo , Martínez-Marrero Antonio , Estrada-Allis Sheila N. , Arístegui Javier 
Published: March 2017

AbstractVertical motions play a key role in the enhancement of primary production within mesoscale eddies through the introduction of nutrients into the euphotic layer. However, the details of the vertical velocity field w driving these enhancements remain under discussion. For the first time the mesoscale w associated with an intrathermocline eddy is computed and analyzed using in situ high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) fields of density and horizontal velocity by resolving a generalized omega equation valid for high Rossby numbers. In the seasonal pycnocline the diagnosed w reveals a multipolar structure with upwelling and downwelling cells located at the eddy periphery. In the main pycnocline w is characterized by a dipolar structure with downwelling velocities upstream of the propagation path and upwelling velocities downstream. Maximum values of w reach 6.4 m day−1. An observed enhancement of chlorophyll-a at the eddy periphery coincides with the location of the upwelling and downwelling cells. Analysis of the forcing terms of the generalized omega equation indicates that the mechanisms behind the dipolar structure of the w field are a combination of horizontal deformation and advection of vertical relative vorticity by ageostrophic vertical shear. The wind during the eddy sampling was rather constant and uniform with a speed of 5 m s−1. Diagnosed nonlinear Ekman pumping leads to a dipolar pattern that mirrors the inferred w. Horizontal ageostrophic secondary circulation is dominated by centripetal acceleration and closes the dipole w structure. Vertical fluxes act to maintain the intrathermocline eddy structure.
Observation and Model Bias Estimation in the Presence of Either or Both Sources of Error
Authors: Lorente-Plazas Raquel , Hacker Joshua P. 
Published: March 2017

In numerical weather prediction and in reanalysis, robust approaches for observation bias correction are necessary to approach optimal data assimilation. The success of bias correction can be limited by model errors. Here, simultaneous estimation of observation and model biases, and the model state for an analysis, is explored with ensemble data assimilation and a simple model. The approach is based on parameter estimation using an augmented state in an ensemble adjustment Kalman filter. The observation biases are modeled with a linear term added to the forward operator. A bias is introduced in the forcing term of the model, leading to a model with complex errors that can be used in imperfect-model assimilation experiments. Under a range of model forcing biases and observation biases, accurate observation bias estimation and correction are possible when the model forcing bias is simultaneously estimated and corrected. In the presence of both model error and observation biases, estimating one and ignoring the other harms the assimilation more than not estimating any errors at all, because the biases are not correctly attributed. Neglecting a large model forcing bias while estimating observation biases results in filter divergence; the observation bias parameter absorbs the model forcing bias, and recursively and incorrectly increases the increments. Neglecting observation bias results in suboptimal assimilation, but the model forcing bias parameter estimate remains stable because the model dynamics ensure covariance between the parameter and the model state.
Challenges in the surgical management of ectopic pregnancy in a low-resource setting: Mpilo Central Hospital, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Authors: Ngwenya Solwayo 
Published: March 2017

Background Ectopic pregnancy contributes to maternal morbidity and mortality, especially in low-resourced countries with limited facilities for early diagnosis and treatment. It is a very challenging condition to diagnose. Patients may collapse and die while undergoing investigation. Aims To assess surgical treatment given to patients presenting at Mpilo Central Hospital, the challenges that are faced and the outcomes; and also to document how women survive this dangerous condition in a setting challenged by low resources. Results All the patients had prompt life-saving surgery within 48 h of admission despite the challenges faced. The survival rate was 100% during the period of the study. Conclusion It is possible to prevent maternal mortality in low-resource countries by maintaining basic clinical and surgical skills.
An investigation of the psychometric properties of the Chinese (Cantonese) version of Subjective Index of Physical and Social Outcome (SIPSO)
Authors: Kwong Patrick WH , Ng Shamay SM , Ng Gabriel YF 
Published: March 2017

Objective: The objectives of this study were 1) to translate and make cultural adaptations to the English version of the SIPSO questionnaire to create a Chinese (Cantonese) version, 2) evaluate the internal consistency, test-retest reliability the C-SIPSO questionnaire, and 3) compare the SIPSO-C scores of stroke survivors with different demographic characteristics to establish the discriminant validity of the questionnaire Design: Translation of questionnaire, cross sectional study. Setting: University-based clinical research laboratory. Subjects Community-dwelling chronic stroke survivors. Interventions: Not applicable. Main measures: Subjective Index of Physical and Social Outcome, Geriatric Depression Scale, 10-metre Walk test. Results: Two bilingual professional translators translated the SIPSO questionnaire independently. An expert panel comprising five registered physiotherapists verified the content validity of the final version (C-SIPSO). C-SIPSO demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.83) and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC3,1 = 0.866) in ninety-two community dwelling chronic stroke survivors. Stroke survivors scored higher than 10 in the Geriatric Depression Scale ( U = 555.0, P < 0.001) and with the comfortable walking speed lower than 0.8ms–1 ( U = 726.5; P = 0.012) scored significantly lower on SIPSO-C. Conclusion: SIPSO-C is a reliable instrument that can be used to measure the level of community integration in community-dwelling stroke survivors in Hong Kong and southern China. Stroke survivors who were at high risk of minor depression and with limited community ambulation ability demonstrated a lower level of community integration as measured with SIPSO-C
Early interventions to promote work participation in people with regional musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cochrane Andy , Higgins Niamh M , FitzGerald Oliver , Gallagher Pamela , Ashton Jennifer , Corcoran Oriel , Desmond Deirdre 
Published: March 2017

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of early multidisciplinary interventions in promoting work participation and reducing work absence in adults with regional musculoskeletal pain. Data sources: Seven databases (CENTRAL, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, OT Seeker, PEDro; 1990 to December 2016) were searched for eligible studies. Review methods: Trials were included if they reported on work-based outcomes for participants experiencing difficulties at work or ≤ three months’ sick leave. Interventions had to include two or more elements of the biopsychosocial model delivered as a coordinated programme. Quality was assessed using the GRADE criteria. Results were analysed by hazard ratios for return to work data; continuous outcomes were analysed as standardised mean difference with 95% confidence intervals. Results: A total of 20 randomized controlled trials, with 16,319 participants were included; the interventions were grouped according to their main components for meta-analyses. At 12-months follow-up, moderate quality evidence suggests that programmes involving a stepped care approach (four studies) were more effective than the comparisons in promoting return to work (hazard ratio (HR) 1.29 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03 to 1.61), p = 0.03), whereas case management (two studies) was not (HR 0.92 (95% CI 0.69 to 1.24), p = 0.59). Analyses suggested limited effectiveness in reducing sickness absences, in pain reduction or functional improvement across the intervention categories. Conclusion: There is uncertainty as to the effectiveness of early multicomponent interventions owing to the clinical heterogeneity and varying health and social insurance systems across the trials.
Analysis of postoperative ultrasonography surveillance after total thyroidectomy in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma: a multicenter study
Authors: Ryoo Inseon , Kim Dong Wook , Lee Chang Yoon , Huh Jung Yin , Lee Song , Ahn Hye Shin , Sung Jin Yong 
Published: March 2017

Background In papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients, postoperative ultrasonography (US) surveillance is recommended at intervals of six or 12 months even though evidence is weak. Purpose To determine the optimal interval of postoperative US surveillance in patients after total thyroidectomy for the treatment of PTC using multicenter data. Material and Methods A total of 1400 patients from seven tertiary hospitals who underwent total thyroidectomy for treatment of PTC were included. Based on a retrospective review of clinical and pathologic results, multiple factors were analyzed according to recurrence/persistence or no recurrence/persistence. In recurrence/persistence group, the interval and number of follow-up US sessions in the initial detection of recurrence/persistence were investigated. Results Of the 1400 patients, 115 (8.2%) showed tumor recurrence/persistence on follow-up US. Of 115 recurrence/persistence cases, 89 (77.4%) were initially detected on US: nodal recurrence/persistence (n = 92), non-nodal recurrence/persistence (n = 22), and both (n = 1). Among the clinical and pathologic factors, only tumor size and N stage were significant predictors for recurrence/persistence. In the recurrence/persistence group, the mean interval and number of follow-up US sessions in the initial detection of recurrence/persistence was 22.3 ± 16.8 months and 2.2 ± 1.9, respectively. Approximately two-thirds of recurrence/persistence cases (76/115, 66.1%) were detected in follow-up US within two years after total thyroidectomy. Conclusion In PTC patients after total thyroidectomy, the optimal interval of the first US follow-up may be one to two years after thyroid surgery, and the appropriate number of postoperative US surveillance sessions within the first five years may be only one or two.
Peroneal perforator pedicle propeller flap for lower leg soft tissue defect reconstruction: Clinical applications and treatment of venous congestion
Authors: Shen Lifeng , Liu Yiyang , Zhang Chun , Guo Qiaofeng , Huang Wenhua , Wong Kelvin Kian Loong , Chang Shimin 
Published: March 2017

Objective To describe the characteristics of the perforator vessel in the peroneal artery of the lower leg and to explore the use of perforator pedicle propeller flaps to repair soft tissue defects in the lower leg, heel and foot. Methods This retrospective study enrolled patients with soft tissue defects of the distal lower leg, heel and foot who underwent surgery using peroneal perforator-based propeller flaps. The peroneal artery perforators were identified preoperatively by colour duplex Doppler ultrasound. The flap was designed based on the preoperatively-identified perforator location, with the posterior border of the fibula employed as an axis, and the perforator vessel as the pivot point of rotation. Patients were followed-up to determine the outcomes. Results The study analysed 36 patients (mean age, 39.7 years). The majority of the soft tissue defects were on the heel (20; 55.6%). The donor-site of the flap was closed in 11 patients by direct suturing and skin grafting was undertaken in 25 patients. Postoperative complications included venous congestion (nine patients), which was managed with delayed wound coverage and bleeding therapy. All wounds were eventually cured and the flaps were cosmetically acceptable. Conclusions The peroneal perforator pedicle propeller flap is an appropriate choice to repair soft tissue defects of the distal limbs.